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Albany made history on Tuesday (November 4) by electing Dorcey Applyrs as its first Black mayor. Applyrs, a Democrat and the city's chief auditor, defeated Republican Rocco Pezzulo with 86% of the vote. She will succeed retiring Mayor Kathy Sheehan in January.
Applyrs' victory marks a significant milestone for Albany, a city that has elected only six mayors since 1942. In her victory speech at the Greenhouse Social Club, Applyrs expressed gratitude to those who supported her journey, stating, "This is our moment. We've earned this moment, and it is such an amazing moment" as reported by Spectrum News.
Throughout her campaign, Applyrs focused on rebuilding the city, engaging youth, and promoting diversity. She emphasized the importance of making Albany a place where young people can thrive and succeed. "I see the potential in each and every one of our children," she said, committing to a more equitable future for all residents according to WNYT.
Applyrs' path to the mayor's office began with her work in public health and her election to the Albany Common Council in 2013. Her campaign relied on small gatherings to connect with voters, leading to her victory in a four-way Democratic primary earlier this year. The Times Union reported that Applyrs received strong support from local Democrats, including outgoing Mayor Sheehan.
Pezzulo, a former restaurant owner involved in mental health care, acknowledged the challenges of running as a Republican in a Democratic stronghold. Despite his loss, he expressed hope for future political endeavors.