State Senator Sean Ryan announces run for Buffalo mayor

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- State Senator Sean Ryan announced Saturday that he is running for Buffalo mayor in a video posted to social media.

In his video, Ryan said Buffalo "deserves better" and listed affordable housing, funding for schools and childcare, fighting discrimination and working on the city's waterfront as some of the topics that constitute his platform.

Ryan's announcement follows Tuesday's swearing in of former Buffalo Common Council President Chris Scanlon as Buffalo's 63rd mayor until the 2025 election, which will fill the seat on a permanent basis. Scanlon filled the position after former Mayor Byron Brown left to become Western Regional Off-Track Betting's CEO and president.

Ryan, who grew up in Lackawanna and now resides in Buffalo, has served in New York’s 61st State Senate seat since he was first elected in 2020. Before his time as senator, he held a position in the New York State Assembly from 2011 to 2020.

While in office, Ryan has sponsored various bills to support schools, renters and the working class. As an assemblyman, he has advocated for environmental protection and protecting taxpayer dollars.

After mentioning "20 years of neglect" and "incompetent politicians" in his announcement video, Ryan said solving problems together is a large part of his platform for mayor.

To read about current and potential candidates for Buffalo mayor, click here.