Sharon Owens has become Syracuse’s first Black mayor, winning with more than 13,000 votes on Tuesday, unofficial results from the Onondaga County Board of Elections stated.
The 62-year-old defeated Republican Thomas Babilon and independents Alfonso Davis and Tim Rudd.
“We did it, Syracuse,” Owens’ campaign staff said to her Instagram followers. “Sharon Owens has been elected our next mayor! This is more than a win — it’s a movement powered by community, love, and a shared vision for a stronger Syracuse. Thank you to everyone who voted, volunteered, and believed.”
Owens reflected on how historic her win is while delivering her victory speech before more than 300 supporters. “To the elders of this community, you who for decades looked to the future of a time when there would be a mayor that looks like you, that comes from your experience, that understands the struggle … I’m going to work hard to make you proud,” she said, according to Syracuse.com.
On the same night Owens made history, citizens of Albany also elected their first Black mayor, a history-making moment in politics in upstate New York. Dorcey Lanier Applyrs, a public health professional, had served as Albany’s city auditor and as a member of the Albany Common Council in the past.
Applyrs said in front of her supporters that “This is our moment. We’ve earned this moment and it is such an amazing moment.”
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she said, according to Spectrum 1 News.
Since 1942, Albany has elected just six mayors.
“Standing on this stage is a culmination of a dream,” Applyrs said. “A dream whose seeds were planted so many years ago of people who believed in me.
“I’m here because others believed, pushed and kept going, even when it was extremely hard,” Applyrs said.
In Detroit, Mary Sheffield will also become the first woman to serve as mayor when she assumes office on January 1, after winning her seat both during the August primary and Tuesday’s general election, CBS reported.
“In this administration, everyone will have a seat at the table,” Sheffield said during her victory speech Tuesday night. “Because guess what? This city belongs to all of us.”
Sheffield’s campaign centered on the economy, public safety, affordable housing, and community development.
Sheffield had already made history in the past as the youngest person ever elected to the Detroit City Council at 26 in 2013, representing the city’s fifth district.
She eventually became the youngest person to serve as Detroit’s City Council President, winning that role in 2022.
