Sean Ryan officially took office as the new Mayor of Buffalo during a ceremony on January 1, 2026, at the Kleinhans Music Hall. This marks the first time in two decades that a newly elected mayor has been inaugurated in Buffalo.
Ryan’s Vision for Buffalo
Ryan emphasized a transformative vision for the city in his inaugural address. He stated, “This is a moment of choice for our city. We can accept the way things have been, or we can decide to do better.” He outlined his commitment to establishing a city government that is not only responsive but also proactive, aiming to build trust among its constituents.
In his speech, Ryan highlighted four guiding principles for his administration. He pledged to create a city government that works effectively and is accountable to the public. He also underscored the importance of neighborhoods, stating, “Every neighborhood in every part of the city of Buffalo… are a reason for everything we do.” Ryan further emphasized that the city’s growth should be inclusive, ensuring that opportunities reach all residents. Finally, he stressed that leadership must be rooted in integrity, transparency, and respect.
A Historic Transition in Leadership
The ceremony, which lasted nearly two hours, began with a legal swearing-in conducted earlier in the day. The Honorable Anthony Brindisi, U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of New York, administered the ceremonial oath before a gathering of hundreds.
“I asked Sean, what is your dream job? And without skipping a beat, he said Mayor of Buffalo,”
Judge Brindisi recalled a conversation from their early days in public service, illustrating Ryan’s long-standing aspiration for this role.
Ryan succeeds Byron Brown, who held the position for 16 years before resigning in October 2024. Brown was present at the event, alongside Christopher Scanlon, who briefly served as acting mayor after Brown’s resignation. Scanlon was defeated by Ryan in the 2025 Democratic Primary, paving the way for Ryan’s election victory in November.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and State Senator April Baskin were also in attendance. Baskin paid tribute to former mayors, including the late Jimmy Griffin, and expressed optimism regarding Ryan’s leadership style. She noted his innovative approach, which includes appointing four deputy mayors in a restructured administration.
“I have lots of memories of the mayor, Sean Ryan, representing his constituencies with integrity,” Baskin remarked, highlighting his potential to identify opportunities and turn them into successes.
Celebrations began the previous evening with a gala at the Hotel Lafayette, a formal event costing $150 per person. Following the inauguration, a reception was held at the Mary Seaton Room at Kleinhans before Ryan visited his office in City Hall.
Concluding his remarks, Ryan asserted, “Today marks the day of a new chapter in Buffalo’s story. The people of the city expect a government that listens, that delivers and treats every neighborhood with dignity and respect.” He called for collective effort in building a better Buffalo, inviting all residents to join him in this mission.
