Meet Sharon Owens: Leading Syracuse Toward a Stronger Future
October 7th 2025
I have officially endorsed Sharon Owens to be the next Mayor of Syracuse. This piece is an unneeded explanation, especially after the primary result in which she secured over 60% of the vote in a 3 way primary. However, I was recently asked in a radio interview who I’m supporting for Mayor, and it tells me I haven’t been clear enough with my Support. Sharon Owens is the best person to be the next Mayor for the City of Syracuse.
She is running to become our mayor with a lifelong commitment to community, effective leadership, and a vision rooted in service and equity. I’ve been outwardly a Sharon supporter since rumors of her running sparked last summer, but I vividly remember sitting at a Southwest Community Center Event in 2017 saying if she were running then, I’d support her. I believe she’s the perfect person to lead this city.
Sharon came to Syracuse in 1981 as a college student at Syracuse University and says she became an “adopted daughter” of the city. As a fellow adopted child of this city I love, I can relate to that connection to this community. Since arriving in Syracuse, she has been working in and around city government, community development, and nonprofit leadership for more than three decades.
Currently, she serves as Deputy Mayor under Ben Walsh, overseeing key departments including neighborhoods and business development, and helping coordinate with police, fire, and other city services. She is running to continue progress and build a city government that works for everyone.
At the WFP state committee meeting, I was given a chance to introduce Mayor Owens and I told a story about how during the height of the 2020 BLM movements she was the voice of reason and ultimately helped push Syracuse to much needed police reform. If you want to hear that story, click here - > ( https://www.youtube.com/live/W2-ojygH3Rc?si=IyPgh78qVMaI5vpq&t=3565 )
Sharon’s Vision and Priorities
Sharon is committed to:
Thriving neighborhoods by making sure every part of Syracuse is safe, clean, and properly invested in. She calls her agenda the “Thriving Neighborhoods” plan, which includes affordable housing, revitalizing vacant properties, and improving infrastructure.
Affordable housing and code enforcement through building new housing units, strengthening codes, and addressing lead hazards in homes across the city.
Economic opportunity and equity by supporting minority owned businesses, encouraging inclusive growth, and ensuring new developments benefit longtime city residents, not just new investors.
Why Sharon Owens?
Sharon brings deep local experience. Her work in nonprofits, housing development, and city departments gives her insight into how neighborhoods and city systems function and where they can be improved.
She already works in City Hall as Deputy Mayor. She understands the challenges, the needs, and the opportunities, and she is ready to step into the mayoral role with confidence and continuity.
Sharon has been endorsed by outgoing Mayor Ben Walsh, who recognizes her dedication, steady leadership, and proven record of service.
She approaches her candidacy not as a politician, but as a lifelong public servant who believes leadership is about service, not ambition.
How You Can Help
Sharon’s campaign relies on the support of everyday people. Here are ways you can get involved:
Volunteer by knocking doors, making calls, and talking with neighbors
Share the message by telling others about Sharon’s vision and why she is the right choice
Donate if you can, because every contribution helps expand outreach and build momentum
Stay engaged by attending events, voicing your priorities, and holding local leaders accountable
We have a chance in Syracuse to elect a mayor who listens, leads, and builds from the ground up. Sharon Owens is ready for that job. She understands this city because she has lived it, worked in it, and served it. Together, we can maximize the movement building here in Syracuse.