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The candidates for Syracuse mayor will face off in a debate tonight (September 2) at Saint John the Baptist Hall on Corner Court Street. Sharon Owens, Alfonso Davis, Tim Rudd, and Tom Babilon are expected to discuss key issues such as transparency and leadership as they vie for voter support ahead of the November election. The debate begins at 7 p.m.
Sharon Owens, the current Deputy Mayor and a Syracuse University alumna, won the Democratic primary in June. She is focusing her campaign on public safety, financial sustainability, and improving education and extracurricular programs for youth. Alfonso Davis, Tim Rudd, and Tom Babilon are running as independent candidates, with Babilon also being the endorsed Republican candidate.
As reported by The Daily Orange, the candidates have been actively engaging with voters and fundraising in the lead-up to the election. The debate provides an opportunity for them to address the public directly and outline their visions for Syracuse.
Current Mayor Tim Walsh is unable to run for re-election due to term limits, making this a pivotal race for the city's future leadership. The winner of the election will take office in January 2026.