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Syracuse Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens has officially filed her petitions to run for mayor, securing her place on the Democratic primary ballot. Owens submitted nearly 2,900 signatures on Monday (March 31), significantly exceeding the 1,000 required to qualify. This move solidifies her candidacy for the upcoming primary election in June.
Owens, who served as deputy mayor during Mayor Ben Walsh's two terms, is the first candidate to file petitions for the mayoral race. Her campaign's substantial signature cushion makes it difficult for others to challenge the validity of her petitions. According to Syracuse.com, the filing deadline for all candidates is Thursday (April 3).
Other Democratic candidates, including Syracuse Common Councilors Chol Majok and Pat Hogan, and police community engagement director Jimmy Oliver, have announced their intentions to run. Hogan has already secured the endorsement of the Onondaga County Democratic Committee, with Owens finishing second. Meanwhile, Thomas Babilon, the only declared Republican candidate, plans to file his petitions soon, needing just 500 signatures due to lower GOP enrollment in Syracuse.
The primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, with early voting running from Saturday, June 14, to Sunday, June 22. The winner will replace Mayor Ben Walsh, who is unable to run again due to term limits.