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Buffalo Niagara voters made their voices heard on Nov. 4 in a series of key local races. Based on unofficial vote tallies, here’s a look at who won and what’s next for our region’s leadership, courtesy of Buffalo Niagara Partnership Director of Government Affairs Josh Veronica.

Ryan takes City Hall

State Senator Sean Ryan handily defeated Republican James Gardner and independent Michael Gainer to become the 64th Mayor of Buffalo. Over the next two months, Ryan’s transition team will begin staffing City Hall and charting a new course forward.

Ryan’s election means Buffalo, Tonawanda, Amherst, and Grand Island will soon have a new State Senator. Assemblymember Jon Rivera has already announced his intention to run for the seat, while Erie County Democratic Committee Chairman Jeremy Zellner has also expressed interest.

Hardwick reelected handily

Despite a spirited challenge from Republican Christine Czarnik, Democratic Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick was reelected. Hardwick has previously expressed interest in succeeding Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, whose term expires in December 2027.

Lavin to lead Amherst

In the race to replace term-limited Amherst Supervisor Brian Kulpa, Democratic Town Board member Shawn Lavin defeated Republican Dennis Gagliardo. Democrats John Davis and Jack Kavanaugh also won Town Board seats, allowing Democrats to retain control of the board.

Mamdani to bring new era to New York City

Socialist Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo to become Mayor of New York City. Mamdani’s platform could carry economic consequences felt well beyond the five boroughs. His victory also signals rising political viability for candidates who are outspoken opponents of capitalism – a trend the business community must work to reverse.

Other local races

• Erie County Sheriff John Garcia was reelected, running unopposed.
• All Erie County Legislators were reelected. Appointed Legislators Taisha St. Jean Tard and Lawrence Dupre were elected to full terms. Democrats maintain a 7-4 majority.
• In Niagara County, Republicans retained an 11-4 majority in the County Legislature. Former Economic Development Commissioner Mike Casale will replace retiring Legislature Chair Rebecca Wydysh. Democrats flipped one seat: Democrat Sam Farruggia will replace retiring GOP Legislator Chris Voccio.
• In North Tonawanda, Democratic Mayor Austin Tylec won reelection against former police chief Tom Krantz. In a major shift, Democrats also won all four Common Council seats up for election, ending years of Republican control.
• In Hamburg, Republican Town Board member Beth Farrell Lorentz won the Town Supervisor race by a narrow margin over former Democratic County Legislator Bob Reynolds.
• In Orchard Park, Republican Joseph Liberti defeated Marie Mahon to become Town Supervisor.
• In Lewiston, Supervisor Steve Broderick was reelected, despite losing the Republican primary in June.
• In the only contested Buffalo School Board race, Talia Rodriguez defeated Jennifer Mecozzi and Mustafa Abdo.
• In the City of Tonawanda, Democrat William Strassburg defeated incumbent Mayor John White in his reelection bid.

The BNP congratulates all winners and looks forward to working with elected leaders to strengthen our regional economy.