Who is Chris Scanlon? A look at Buffalo's potential acting mayor

Our January interview with Chris Scanlon after he became Common Council President can be seen in the video player on top of this page.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — After Mayor Byron Brown was offered the job as the next CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, all eyes turned to his potential replacement.

If Brown were to resign from office, Buffalo's City Charter stipulates that the Common Council president becomes the acting mayor. That role is currently held by Chris Scanlon.

Who is Chris Scanlon?

Scanlon, a Democrat, has been on the Common Council since 2012. He was elected by his peers to the position of Common Council president in January following at 8-1 vote. He represents Buffalo's South District, which includes South Park, Hopkins-Tifft and Seneca-Cazenovia in South Buffalo.

Under state election law, the Aug. 5 deadline to fill a vacancy through the November election has already passed. That means Scanlon, if elevated, would become Buffalo's acting mayor for at least one year before the November 2025 general election.

What did Scanlon accomplish while in office?

His goals as common council president have included quality of life improvements across the city, passing legislation to support public safety and shoring up the city's financial situation. He has also sponsored free sports and reading camps during his time in office for vulnerable populations.

What is his relationship to Brown?

Scanlon has discussed his close relationship with Brown in the past, and helped deliver South Buffalo for him when Brown won an unprecedented fifth term as mayor as a write-in candidate in 2021.

Scanlon has been criticized by other councilmembers for his relationship with Brown, but Scanlon said he did not see the relationship as a problem and that the council and mayor should be working collaboratively.

Who will take his place?

As for who will take Scanlon's place on the Common Council, the members of the council will appoint a "qualified resident of the same political party" to take his place as the representative for the South District, according to Section 3-6 of the City Charter. The remaining council members will appoint a new president.

Personal life

According to his online bio, Scanlon has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Buffalo State University and is pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree. He and his wife Katie have three children, Thomas, Adelaide and Siobhan.