Key Syracuse primary elections, candidates to know for June 13 early voting
New York’s primary election season will begin in Syracuse on June 13 for weeklong early voting prior to election day on June 23. Brody Shuffler | Contributing Photographer
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As New York state’s primary election date approaches, the city of Syracuse will see a few key races on the ballot, including Onondaga County Legislators and Common Councilor At-Large.
Primary elections will take place June 23 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with early voting open from June 13-21. The results of the primary will determine which candidates will have a spot on November’s ballot.
Voting and registration information can be found on the Onondaga County Board of Elections’ website.
Here’s what you need to know about the key elections on the June ballot:
New York State Comptroller, Democrat
The state comptroller oversees state finances, budgeting and accounting-related matters.
Appointed in 2007, incumbent Thomas P. DiNapoli is the second-longest-serving comptroller in state history. He’s running against Raj Goyle, an attorney and former Kansas state representative, and Drew Warshaw, a former executive of an affordable housing nonprofit.
DiNapoli has long advocated for the middle class and has fought against corruption. Goyle’s campaign focuses on divesting from fossil fuels, lowering utility bills, divesting from foreign bonds and creating more affordable housing. Warshaw seeks to hone in on New York’s affordability crisis, addressing issues such as housing, high taxes and the high cost of living, as well as divesting from fossil fuels and foreign bonds.
State Assembly District 129, Democrat
The 129th district encompasses Syracuse University and represents the area on state matters.
Incumbent William “Bill” Magnarelli has held the role for 27 years and will be running against current Onondaga County legislator Maurice “Mo” Brown. Brown is running on an “affordability slate” centered around safe and affordable housing, universal childcare and free public transportation.
Magnarelli’s campaign focuses on addressing affordability and fighting against certain policies of President Donald Trump’s administration. Brown’s campaign plans address safe and affordable housing, public safety and fast and free buses.
Onondaga County Legislator District 8, Democrat
Current seat-holder Chad Ryan will be facing New York State Health Department worker Tammy Honeywell.
While Ryan has only held the position since November 2025, the seat has been in his family for decades. It’s been held by both his father, Edward Ryan, and cousin, Chris Ryan, for 44 years, syracuse.com reported.
Honeywell ran against and lost to Ryan in 2025.
Ryan told syracuse.com he’s a “pretty moderate candidate.” He said the housing crisis is a “top priority” for him, Central Current reported.
As a candidate of the Affordability Slate with Brown, Honeywell’s campaign focuses on safe and affordable housing, universal childcare and free public transportation.
Onondaga County Legislator District 15, Democrat
Bill Kinne served in this position for 24 years before losing to Ryan McMahon for Onondaga County Executive in 2023. Kinne is back seeking the position and will be facing Syracuse Public School teacher Jo Bennett.
Unlike Kinne, this will be Bennett’s first government position if won.
Kinne’s campaign prioritizes affordable housing and supporting mental health resources. Bennett has also championed the affordability slate policy, highlighting the need for safety testing to be done in homes to prevent disease.
Onondaga County Legislator District 16, Democrat
Lawyer and Women’s Economic Institute founder Charlene Tarver is running against Syracuse City School District’s Commissioner of Education Nyatwa Bullock.
Tarver has centered her campaign around four policies: public safety, strong economy, entrepreneurship and affordable housing. Bullock focuses on similar policies, including public safety, infrastructure, economic development and health and human services.
Syracuse Common Council At-Large, Democrat
Incumbent Helen Hudson will face downtown Syracuse business owner Cjala Surratt and Syracuse City School District budget analyst Moise Laud.
Formerly the Syracuse Common Council president for seven years, Hudson was appointed to fill the at-large vacancy in 2025.
Surratt features six key policies on her campaign website, including safe and affordable housing, investing in youth and families and poverty reduction. Laud’s campaign centers around affordable housing, combating poverty and creating a “healthier” Syracuse. Hudson hopes to continue her work on creating affordable housing and workforce development.
New York voters can find early voting locations or an election day polling place on the New York State Board of Elections website.
