The Syracuse Democrat Shuffle

Let the games begin! Two current Democrat members of the Syracuse Common Council (Council President Bea Gonzalez and Councilor-At-Large Stephanie Miner) have announced their intentions to run for mayor this year (plus the possiblility of a run by Syracuse City Auditor Phil LaTessa). They will likely be joined by a third current councilor (Pat Hogan) and possibly even a former councilor (Joe Nicoletti).

As Bea Gonzalez vacates her seat as Common Council President to run for mayor, expect other common councilors to jump on the opportunity to run for that seat as well. Councilor-At-Large Van Robinson has already announced his intentions to run and is expected to be joined by fellow Councilor-At-Large Bill Ryan.

The Common Council’s sole Republican member, Ryan McMahon, appears likely to run for re-election to his current seat rather than seek higher office. As a result, while the Democrats prepare to battle each other for their party’s nomination for Mayor and Common Council President, the Republicans remain out of the picture for now, but don’t expect that to last. Retiring Syracuse Fire Chief John Cowin says that GOP officials have contacted him about running for mayor and he is considering it. Rumors abound that State Senator John DeFrancisco will opt to leave the State Senate now that his party is in the minority and may run for mayor. He seems likely to retire, especially now that his colleague Dave Valesky has replaced him as the region’s go-to guy in the State Senate, but the notion that he will run for mayor is likely exaggerated.

Expect to see some Republican faces from the past emerge as contenders. MACNY President Randy Wolken? Former Syracuse Parks & Recreation Commissioner Otis Jennings? Ron Paul supporter David Gay? Only time will tell.