Sean Ryan

Sean M. Ryan (born March 4, 1965) is an American attorney and politician who is currently serving as the mayor of Buffalo. He previously served in New York State Senate representing the 61st district and 60th district from 2021 to 2025, and in the New York State Assembly from 2011 to 2020 in both the 144th district and the 149th district.

Early life and education Sean Ryan was born to James W. Ryan, a firefighter, and Patricia Ryan (née McQuillen), an educator and member of the Erie County Democratic Committee.

Ryan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Fredonia and a Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School. He was then admitted the New York State Bar Association.

Career As an attorney, Ryan specialized in anti-discrimination and labor law cases.

On September 13, 2011, Ryan was elected during a special election to the New York State Assembly, succeeding longtime assemblyman Sam Hoyt. His mother Patricia and sister Kerry were both members of the Erie County Democratic Committee, and were credited with running his campaign and assisting his victory.

In 2012, he was elected to the 149th district. He was supported by the 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.

In 2020, he was elected to New York's 60th senate district. Due to redistricting following the 2020 U.S. census, Ryan successfully ran in the newly-drawn 61st senate district in the 2022 election. As a member of the State Senate, Ryan championed legislation to prohibit non-compete clauses in New York, which passed both houses of the state legislature in 2023.

Mayor of Buffalo

On November 23, 2024, Ryan announced his candidacy for the 2025 Buffalo mayoral election, where he challenged incumbent mayor Christopher Scanlon for the position. On February 22, 2025, the Erie County Democratic Committee endorsed Ryan in the Democratic primary, which he won on June 24, 2025. On November 4, 2025, Ryan would be elected mayor of Buffalo after defeating two other candidates, Republican James Gardner and independent Michael Gainer.

Personal life

Ryan is married to Catherine Creighton, an attorney who has served as director of the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority since her appointment by governor Andrew Cuomo in 2012. Creighton has also been director of Cornell University's ILR Buffalo Co-Lab since 2020.

Electoral history