Mayor Byron Brown held a fundraiser Thursday night in Buffalo. Brown has not launched his re-election campaign, but the fundraiser is an indication that he is gearing up for another campaign. The mayor says his fundraising effort is going "extremely well." WBFO News asked the democrat when he will announce a run for a third term.
"Right now, I'm not really focused on announcements of re-election bids. I'm just very pleased at the strong support that we're getting from the citizens of Buffalo. It shows that they believe in me, that they have confidence in where the city is going. I will leave announcement of my re-election bid for another time," Brown said.
Tonight's fundraiser will be the second this week. On Tuesday, Brown held a fundraiser with state lawmakers in Albany. Brown's campaign funds are already said to exceed more than $1 million.
"I think the best thing that I can do right now is focus on doing the job as mayor and not worry about elections," Brown said.
Buffalo News political reporter Bob McCarthy, speaking to Morning Edition host Jay Moran Thursday, said at least two possible candidates are reviewing a potential challenge against Brown this fall.
Republican Sergio Rodriguez is eyeing a run and former FBI special-agent-in-charge Bernie Tolbert is considering a bid for the Democratic nomination, but neither has made an official announcement.
You can listen to McCarthy's entire interview here.