Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens declares win as mayor of Syracuse

Syracuse Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens appears to be getting a promotion.

The Democrat declared victory in Tuesday’s general election to be the next mayor of the Salt City, defeating Republican Thomas Babilon and independents Timothy Rudd and Alfonso Davis.

As of 11:25 p.m., with more than 90% of the vote counted, Owens led with 73% of the vote compared to Babilon with 19% of the vote, Davis with 4% and Rudd with 3%.

Owens will also make history as the first Black mayor in Syracuse’s history. She will also be the city’s second ever woman mayor.

Owens has served as deputy mayor for the entirety of Ben Walsh’s eight-year tenure in City Hall. Walsh, an independent, was term-limited and couldn’t seek reelection. He endorsed Owens to succeed him. Owens easily won the Democratic primary race back in June against several challengers.

Owens calls herself an adopted daughter of Syracuse after coming to the city to attend Syracuse University. She served with Walsh in Mayor Stephanie Miner’s administration as a deputy commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development. She has also been CEO of Syracuse Model Neighborhood Facility and worked for various non-profits in her career.

She will be sworn in on Jan. 1, 2026.