In Syracuse, New York, Patrick Hogan, who serves as a councilor for the common council of Syracuse, has gained support for his bid for mayor from several prominent elected officials holding citywide positions.
Council President Helen Hudson , Councilor-at-Large Rasheada Caldwell and the president of the Syracuse school board Tamica Barnett is set to declare today their backing of Hogan as part of a potential five-candidate race in the Democratic primary scheduled for June.
The backing of three African American women who have won elections for city-wide positions came just over a month following some within the party. questioned the choice made by the Onondaga County Democratic Committee to endorse Hogan, a white man, defeated three Black candidates.
Hogan is competing against Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens, At-Large Councilor Chol Majok, City Police Community Engagement Director Jimmy Oliver, and activist Alfonso Davis. Among the candidates, Hogan stands out as the sole White contender. In previous mayoral elections in 2021 and 2017, the party committee had backed White male nominees; however, primary voters selected a Black man and a Latinx woman instead.
The ballots for the June 24 primary will include all five contenders as they've each turned in sufficient petition signatures.
Syracuse has never had a Black mayor, and only one woman has ever held this position. Stephanie Miner .
The Hogan campaign is issuing a collective endorsement statement signed by Hudson, Caldwell, Barnett, Councilor-at-Large Amir Gethers, and former city Democratic committee chair Bruce Conner—African American political figures. In their statement, they highlight that this year's pool of candidates for the Democratic primary demonstrates greater diversity, which they view positively. Additionally, they emphasize that Hogan has demonstrated his commitment through years of public service as both a municipal worker and educator, along with serving on the city council.
"Although this year's mayoral election includes a wide range of candidates, Pat Hogan emerges as the frontrunner, uniquely equipped to bring unity to the city and propel it forward through inclusive and transparent governance," part of the statement reads.
The organization stated they will vigorously advocate for Hogan over the next several weeks and "urge voters throughout the city to familiarize themselves with his agenda and become part of the effort to create a more robust, cohesive Syracuse."
Caldwell and Gethers are completing their initial four-year terms and are currently engaged in campaigns, as they are running against Democratic opponents in their bid for re-election. Earlier this winter, Gethers endorsed Hogan during an introduction event. campaign kickoff gathering.
Hudson has served for 14 years as an elected member of the council, with the past eight years being as its president. Throughout her political journey, she has offered significant endorsements, including supporting current Mayor Ben Walsh In the previous two elections, voters chose different party nominees. In 2021, Hudson received more votes than any other city-wide elected official.
Barnett is currently serving her second term on the school board. Three years into her initial term which began in 2019, she was appointed as the board’s president. Additionally, she made history as the first African American woman to achieve the rank of lieutenant within the Syracuse Fire Department.
The city reporter, Jeremy Boyer, can be contacted at jboyer@ , (315) 657-5673, Twitter or Facebook .
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