Sean Ryan officially assumed office as the new Mayor of Buffalo on January 1, 2026, during a formal ceremony at Kleinhans Music Hall. This marks the first inauguration of a newly elected mayor in Buffalo in two decades, succeeding former Mayor Byron Brown, who resigned in October 2024.
Ryan took his ceremonial oath of office before hundreds of attendees, including prominent political figures such as Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and State Senator April Baskin. The oath was administered by the Honorable Anthony Brindisi, U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of New York, who reflected on their early careers in the New York State Assembly. “I knew this day would come,” Brindisi remarked, recalling a conversation where Ryan expressed his aspiration to become mayor.
In his inaugural address, Ryan articulated a vision for Buffalo focused on accountability and community engagement. 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 emphasized the need for a responsive city government and the importance of every neighborhood in Buffalo. “Our success must be shared, because growing a city only succeeds when opportunity reaches everyone,” he added.
Ryan’s remarks laid out several guiding principles for his administration. He highlighted the importance of responsive governance, the value of neighborhoods, the necessity of shared success, and the need for integrity, transparency, and respect in leadership.
The ceremony was a significant event for Buffalo, with the last mayoral inauguration occurring in January 2006 when Brown took office. Brown had served four additional terms after succeeding two-term mayor Anthony Masiello. Following his resignation, Christopher Scanlon, the Common Council President, briefly assumed the role of acting mayor. Ryan defeated Scanlon in the 2025 Democratic Primary and later won decisively in the general election.
During the ceremony, Senator Baskin honored former mayors, reflecting on their contributions to the city. She praised Ryan’s innovative approach to governance, noting his decision to appoint four deputy mayors, which signals a shift in administrative structure. “I have memories of the new mayor, identifying opportunity and turning it into greatness,” she stated.
Events surrounding the inauguration included a gala at the Hotel Lafayette the previous night, attended by supporters and community members. Following the ceremony, a reception was held in the Mary Seaton Room at Kleinhans, and Ryan made his way to City Hall to begin his new role.
Closing his address, Ryan affirmed his commitment to a different style of governance. “Today marks the day of a new chapter in Buffalo’s story,” he declared. “The people of the city expect a government that listens and treats every neighborhood with dignity and respect.” He concluded with a call to action: “Let’s get to work.”