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Dorcey Applyrs, the newly elected mayor of Albany, is set to make history as the city's first Black woman mayor. After a landslide victory on Tuesday (November 4), where she secured 83 percent of the vote against her Republican opponent, Rocco Pezzulo, Applyrs is ready to begin her transition into office. She emphasized her commitment to ensuring every young person in Albany knows they belong and can build a future in the city.
Applyrs, who has served as Albany's chief auditor since 2020 and previously held two terms on the Common Council, is preparing to take over from current Mayor Kathy Sheehan, who decided not to seek re-election. Applyrs has launched a transition team anchored by the Talent Committee and the Activate Albany Committee. The Talent Committee aims to recruit dedicated public servants to join the mayor's office, while the Activate Albany Committee will focus on civic engagement and gather residents' input to shape the city's future.
In her victory speech, Applyrs said, "Now it’s my turn — it’s my turn to do the same, to make sure every young person in this city knows that they belong, that they have a seat at the table, and that they can build a future right here in our city. You don’t have to go anywhere." Applyrs expressed her readiness to govern and transform the city on day one.
The Activate Albany initiative includes a survey launching on January 1 to gather public input, which will help form an action plan for Applyrs' administration. This plan will serve as her "North Star and compass" as she begins her term in January 2026. Applyrs' transition team includes notable figures such as Maria College President Lynn Ortale and University at Albany President Havidán Rodríguez.
As Applyrs prepares to step into her new role, she remains focused on addressing Albany's pressing issues, including public safety, housing, and infrastructure. She aims to implement community-centric strategies to tackle these challenges, ensuring that the mayor's office remains accountable to the people of Albany.