Photo: Barry Winiker / Photodisc / Getty Images
Syracuse Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens declared victory in the Democratic mayoral primary on Tuesday (June 24), moving a step closer to becoming the city's next leader. Owens defeated Common Councilors Patrick Hogan and Chol Majok, securing 62% of the vote according to unofficial results from the Onondaga County Board of Elections. Her campaign focused on public safety, affordable housing, and economic growth.
Owens' win positions her for the November election, where she will face Republican candidate Thomas Babilon and Independent candidate Tim Rudd. If successful, Owens would become the first African American mayor in Syracuse's history and only the second woman to hold the position. Current Mayor Ben Walsh, who cannot run again due to term limits, has endorsed Owens.
Owens' campaign has raised $232,000 in donations and also received support from the Advance Media New York editorial board. Her victory in the primary highlights her strong standing within the Democratic Party and sets the stage for a competitive general election.