Former Fire Commissioner Says He’s Running For Mayor Of Buffalo

With the pending Presidential election on the horizon, you would think that the Buffalo political sphere would be buzzing with discussion about which candidate people should support: Vice President Harris or former President Trump. However, all over the 716, the most talked-about political story has been who's going to serve as Buffalo's next Mayor.

In case you missed it, current Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown was offered a new New York State government job as the President and CEO of the Western Region Off-Track Betting Corp. If Brown accepts this job, the mayoral position will become vacant. According to the City of Buffalo Charter, the President of the Buffalo Common Council would become interim mayor until November 2025, when the next mayoral election is scheduled.

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As it stands today, Common Council President Christopher Scanlon is poised to become Interim Mayor later this year, which would create a very interesting situation when the next round of elections rolls around. Several people have said they are interested in running for mayor next year, and now another man is ready to throw his hat in the ring.

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According to reporting from WIVB-TV, former City of Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield is gearing up to run for mayor in 2025.

Whitfield has spent nearly 40 years in public service, with more than 30 years with the Buffalo Fire Department, serving in various capacities, including seven years as commissioner. In addition to serving as BFD Commissioner, Whitfield served as Assistant Commissioner of New York State's Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

With 14 months until the 2025 mayoral election, it's undoubtedly that more people will announce their intent to run for mayor. The next year in Buffalo politics will be interesting, to say the least.