Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh just started his third year in office, but he wants it known that he plans to run for a second four-year term.
"I have every intention of running again," Walsh said during an interview on WRVO's Campbell Conversations. "I love this job. It's the only job in public service that is of any interest to me right now. Knowing how much we've accomplished in two years, but also how much more we have to do, I can't imagine having anything less than eight years to get where I want the city to get to."
Walsh was elected in 2017, becoming the first independent candidate to lead the city in over a century. Despite not being chosen by either Democrats or Republicans, Walsh pulled in support from voters of both parties. He easily defeated Democrat Juanita Perez-Williams by more than 4,000 votes.
Walsh may not be a member of the Democratic Party, but he has supported Democratic candidates. He endorsed Gov. Andrew Cuomo's reelection bid in 2018.
So far, no one has announced their intention to challenge Walsh. Any opponent will have some work to do to catch up to Walsh's fundraising effort. He has $270,349 in his campaign account, according to the New York State Board of Elections.
