Key Local Elections and Proposals to Watch in New York’s 2025 Off-Year Election

Early Voting Underway: Crucial Races and a Special Election Ahead

Upstate’s Large Cities Decide New Mayors

Special Election for 115th State Assembly District

Statewide Ballot Proposal on Forest Preserve Development

Early Voting Kicks Off in New York: Crucial Local Elections Loom

As early voting begins across New York, residents are gearing up to make pivotal decisions in the 2025 local elections. Voters will not only choose mayors in several key cities but also participate in a special election for a state Legislature seat and weigh in on a significant statewide ballot proposal. The outcomes of these off-year elections are expected to set the stage for next year’s gubernatorial, congressional, and state legislative races.

Upstate’s Mayoral Showdown

This year marks a rare alignment in upstate New York, where three of the four largest cities along the Interstate 90 corridor are holding open mayoral contests due to retirements and term limits.

In Albany, Democratic City Auditor Dorcey Applyrs is vying for the mayoral seat against Republican entrepreneur Rocco Pezzulo. Incumbent Kathy Sheehan, who has held the position since 2013, opted not to seek a fourth term. Applyrs, a 21-year resident of Albany, has deep roots in the community, while Pezzulo brings experience from the restaurant industry and mental health care.

Syracuse’s independent Mayor Ben Walsh is stepping down after two terms, paving the way for his deputy, Democrat Sharon Owens, to run against Republican Thomas Babilon and independents Timothy Rudd and Alfonso Davis. Should Owens win, she would become the first Black mayor in Syracuse’s history.

In Buffalo, the race is heating up following the departure of longtime Mayor Byron Brown. State Senator Sean Ryan, who won the Democratic primary, faces Republican James Gardner and independent Michael Gainer. Meanwhile, in Rochester, incumbent Democratic Mayor Malik Evans seeks re-election against Conservative candidate Louis Sabo.

The most high-profile contest is in New York City, where Democratic Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa are competing for the mayoral seat.

Special Election for the 115th State Assembly District

In the North Country, a special election is underway to fill the recently vacated seat in the 115th state Assembly District. Billy Jones, the sole Democrat representing the area for nearly a decade, left his post in September. The race features Republican Brent Davison, a retired State Police major, and Democrat Michael Cashman, the Plattsburgh town supervisor. With a nearly even split among registered Democrats, Republicans, and independents in the district, candidates will need to appeal to a diverse electorate.

Statewide Ballot Proposal on Environmental Protection

Voters will also face a significant statewide ballot proposal aimed at amending the state Constitution. A “yes” vote would permit the New York Olympic Regional Development Authority to build on 350 acres of currently protected forest land near the Mount Van Hoevenberg complex in Lake Placid. The proposal aims to enhance winter sports facilities while mandating the purchase of 2,500 acres to offset the development. This amendment, which seeks to balance development with environmental protection, requires majority approval from both the state Senate and Assembly, followed by a majority vote from New Yorkers.

Mark Your Calendars

Election Day is set for November 4, with early voting running through November 2. As New Yorkers head to the polls, the results of these local elections could have lasting implications for the political landscape in the state. Voters are encouraged to engage in the democratic process and make their voices heard in these crucial races.