Syracuse Common Councilor Joe Nicoletti has won the Democratic Party's designation in the race for the city’s next mayor. Nicoletti will likely have to face a primary in September.
Nicoletti has made several unsuccessful attempts at running for mayor before, but he has insisted that just shows his commitment to Syracuse. Nicoletti has previously said he will work to improve the city’s relationships with the county and state governments if he is elected.
At the Onondaga County Democratic Committee's convention Saturday, Nicoletti squeaked out a win by three percentage points over former city hall staffer Andrew Maxwell.
Maxwell released this statement:
Of course I am disappointed by [the] outcome, but I want to thank my supporters and the members of the Onondaga County Democratic Committee for their time and consideration during this process. My passion is working for the betterment of the people of the city of Syracuse. That is why I entered this race, and that is what will continue to motivate me. I have not yet made any decisions about the future. I will be taking some time to talk with family, friends and supporters before deciding what's next.
Seven candidates ran for the endorsement, some of whom, like Syracuse First Executive Director Chris Fowler, have said they will try to force a primary.
"I had no expectations of getting the designation," Fowler said in a statement. "It's always been about the primary. I am running against the status quo not for it's? approval."
Another close race was for the 4th District seat on the Syracuse Common Council. Latoya Allen won the endorsement, beating out Michael Greene and two other candidates. Democratic committee members chose Councilor Khalid Bey and Timothy Rudd for two open at-large seats.
