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The unexpected resignation of the Town of Tonawanda supervisor has set off a flurry of political speculation around who will succeed him.Tonawanda Today
John Flynn, the former Erie County District Attorney, is eyeing a run for the Town of Tonawanda supervisor’s position after the current supervisor, Joseph Emminger, announced he will step down in May, about 19 months before the end of his third term. Emminger’s resignation has sparked a flurry of political speculation around who will succeed him.
Why it matters
The Town of Tonawanda supervisor’s role is a powerful local government position that oversees the administration and policies of one of the largest municipalities in the Buffalo metro area. Flynn’s potential candidacy would bring significant political experience and name recognition to the race, potentially shaking up the local political landscape.
The details
Emminger, the current Town of Tonawanda supervisor, announced on Wednesday that he will step down from his position sometime in May, about 19 months before the end of his third term. This unexpected resignation has set off a wave of speculation around who will succeed him, with former Erie County District Attorney John Flynn emerging as a potential candidate for the role.
Emminger announced his resignation on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.Emminger plans to step down from his position as Town of Tonawanda supervisor sometime in May 2026.
The players
John Flynn
The former Erie County District Attorney, who is now eyeing a run for the Town of Tonawanda supervisor’s position.
Joseph Emminger
The current Town of Tonawanda supervisor, who announced he will step down from his position in May 2026, about 19 months before the end of his third term.
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What’s next
It remains to be seen whether John Flynn will officially declare his candidacy for the Town of Tonawanda supervisor’s position in the coming weeks and months.
The takeaway
The unexpected resignation of the long-serving Town of Tonawanda supervisor has opened up a potentially high-profile political race, with the former Erie County District Attorney John Flynn emerging as a potential frontrunner. This development could have significant implications for the local political landscape in the Buffalo metro area.