The Buffalo News is reporting that Mayor Byron Brown is expected to officially launched his reelection bid for a third term this weekend. WBFO's Eileen Buckley spoke with Buffalo News political reporter Bob McCarthy who says a source close to the Brown campaign has indicated the mayor will launch a reelection bid Saturday morning.
"And it will be, pretty much, the start of the mayoral race."
McCarthy says Brown could face off in a democratic primary against former Buffalo FBI leader Bernie Tolbert. But Tolbert has not announced his candidacy.
McCarthy tells WBFO News there is also speculation if Tolbert joins the race, city comptroller Mark Schroeder might jump in.
"There is enough of an opening there for people to say I wonder what he will do. This is all of the dominos that have to fall. That's why Bernie Tolbert is probably waiting a while, to keep Mark Schroeder at bay," said McCarthy.
McCarthy also notes that the leader of the Erie County Democratic party, Jeremy Zellner, is expected to "seriously" consider endorsing Mayor Brown. That would be a turnaround from the past relationship Brown had with former leader Len Lenihan.
"It will be interesting to see how this works under Jeremy Zellner the new democratic chair," said McCarthy.
The only other candidate, who officially launched a run for mayor, is republican Sergio Rodriguez.