By Mark Scott
February 14, 2205 – State Senator Byron Brown is not the first African-American to run for mayor of Buffalo. But if he's elected in November, he'll be the first to win.
Senator Brown is hoping to succeed where Arthur Eve, George Arthur and James Pitts failed before him, and that's to be elected Buffalo's first African-American mayor. And right now, the chances of that happening look good. A Buffalo News poll released last month showed Brown leading all other potential candidates, including the incumbent, Anthony Masiello.
A lot can change between now and November. But Brown told supporters on Saturday that he has a proven track record of attracting diverse support.
"I have reached across ethnic lines to become the only minority in the history of the New York State Legislature to represent a majority white district", said Brown.
North District Council Member Joseph Golombek, a Brown suppoert, said he's convinced Brown can win the general election.
"I look at Bryon Brown not just being an African American. He happens to be the best man for the job. This is going to be a campaign that is going to stress across neighborhoods. There are a lot of people supporting him from South Buffalo, North Buffalo, West Buffalo, people that are looking at Byron saying this man can make a difference", Golombek said.
State Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples said people are tired of racial and ethnic divisions and want to come together for the same thing -- a stable and safe community. She said Byron Brown is the best choice to lead that.