Competition between the county party leader and a state Assembly member for the position of state Senator currently held by Sean Ryan
The race to replace state Sen. Sean Ryan, who is likely to become the mayor of Buffalo, is heating up, with Erie County Democratic Party Chair Jeremy Zellner and Democratic Assembly Member Jonathan Rivera emerging as the frontrunners.
Zellner, who has been involved with internal party politics for decades but has never held elected office, is rumored to be interested in the Buffalo mayoral position. However, he has stated that any discussion about him simultaneously holding the county party position and serving in the state Legislature is premature.
On the other hand, Rivera has announced his intention to run for the Buffalo mayoral seat, and local unions representing building trades, carpenters, and plumbers have preemptively endorsed him.
Organized labor is starting to choose sides in this battle. Denise Abbott, President of the Western New York Area Labor Federation, has denied rumors of a possible split between Zellner and organized labor.
Political strategist Jack O'Donnell suggests that part of Zellner's battle will be convincing both the party and public that he would make a better senator than an experienced politician like Rivera would. O'Donnell emphasizes the need for candidates to discuss their plans, ideas, and records with the whole community, not just party insiders.
Outside of New York City, Assembly Member Pamela Hunter previously chaired the Onondaga County Democratic Party. In Queens, Rep. Greg Meeks runs the county committee while also serving in Congress, and in Brooklyn, Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn currently serves as chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Committee while also representing her district.
The Bronx Democratic Committee is currently led by state Sen. Jamaal Bailey. Some political insiders question the idea of Zellner holding both the role of county chair and the Buffalo mayoral position, but no mention of a potential primary battle or Zellner's future decision about running for the Buffalo mayoral position after the election has been made.
The Buffalo mayoral primary process left some candidates feeling as though they were given preferential treatment, adding a layer of complexity to the already heated race. The election is sure to be a closely watched event, as both Zellner and Rivera seek to win over the hearts and minds of Buffalo voters.
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