Photo: DenisTangneyJr / iStock / Getty Images
Onondaga County Democrats are urging Pat Hogan, the City Council President Pro Tempore, to end his campaign for mayor of Syracuse. Hogan lost the Democratic primary to Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens on June 24, where Owens secured 62% of the vote. Despite his loss, Hogan has considered running as a write-in candidate in the upcoming November election.
County Democratic Committee Chairman Max Ruckdeschel released a statement calling for Hogan to step aside and support Owens, who is the official Democratic candidate. Ruckdeschel praised Owens for her extensive experience and leadership in Syracuse's neighborhoods, emphasizing that voters recognized her commitment to the city.
Owens, who has served as deputy mayor for nearly eight years, is poised to become the first Black mayor of Syracuse if elected. Her campaign focused on tackling issues like gun violence, police reform, and housing. Owens will face Republican candidate Thomas Babilon in the general election on November 4, along with independent candidates Tim Rudd and Alfonso Davis, who are facing legal challenges to their candidacies.
Hogan's campaign remains active, and he is reportedly exploring his next steps. However, the Democratic Party's support is firmly behind Owens, who is favored to win in a city where Democrats make up 53% of the electorate.