Byron Brown

Brown was raised in Hollis in a duplex his family shared with his grandparents, who were immigrants from the Caribbean island of Montserrat. He grew up on 200th Street between 100th and 104th Avenues and has several relatives still in the area. As a Queens resident, he was a New York Mets and New York Knicks fan.{{cite web|url=http://www.buffalonews.com/opinioncolumns/columns/offmainstreet/story/449269.html |title=Off Main Street: A giving mood ... |access-date=November 23, 2008 |date=September 27, 2008 |work=The Buffalo News |author=Watson, Stephen T. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930004738/http://www.buffalonews.com/opinioncolumns/columns/offmainstreet/story/449269.html |archive-date=September 30, 2008 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10D0995C89AD4B80&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Two who would be mayor - An achiever since boyhood, Brown is disciplined, polished -- and 'sphinxlike'|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=October 2, 2005|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Fairbanks, Phil}}

Brown was a Boy Scout at Hollis Presbyterian Church in Queens and was also active in the Central Queens YMCA (now called Jamaica YMCA).{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:NWDB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=110699A4D196D2A8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=In the big league Byron Brown is calling the shots as the first African-American mayor of Buffalo |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=March 17, 2006|publisher=Newsbank|work=Newsday|author=Cassese, Sid}} Brown attended Public School 134 in Hollis, junior high school PS 109, and August Martin High School, where he played the trumpet in the high school band. Brown and his sister, Andrea, were the first generation in his family to attend college.

After graduating from August Martin High School, Brown attended Buffalo State College.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/28/nyregion/28oldhome.html|title=To Burnish Its Image, a City Stages an Alumni Reunion |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=August 28, 2006|work=The New York Times|author=Staba, David}} He played a year of Junior Varsity basketball as a {{convert|5|ft|11|in|m|adj=on}} guard. While he had considered a potential medical career, Brown graduated in 1983 with a dual Bachelor of Arts in political science and journalism. He subsequently completed a certificate program for senior executives in state and local government at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF9C23E500F126&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Perfect Response to Senseless Ruling|access-date=January 14, 2009|date=August 1, 1999|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News}}

After college, Brown worked for Bristol-Myers for a year as a regional sales representative. Brown quit after a short tenure and took the New York State Troopers exam before becoming Chief of staff for Buffalo Common Council President George Arthur for two years. He then spent two years as an aide to Erie County Legislator Roger Blackwell (later Erie County Legislature Chairman). Then, he worked for two years under Arthur Eve, the Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/05/nyregion/contest-for-albany-seat-hinges-on-a-veteran-legislator-s-relevance.html|title=Contest for Albany Seat Hinges on a Veteran Legislator's Relevance |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=September 5, 2000|work=The New York Times|author=Hicks, Jonathan P.}} Subsequently, he served eight years as director of the Erie County division of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under Erie County Executive Dennis Gorski.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF96666AA4E149&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Essentially Eve Arthur O. Eve Has Turned His Life Into A Crusade. The Question Is Whether He Should Lighten Up|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=November 15, 1992|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Montgomery, David}} He resigned his directorship in July 1993 to run for public office.

During his early career, Brown also became a member of Grassroots, a political organization that was founded in 1986 by a group of block club leaders. Brown eventually served as a vice president of the organization.

Brown was recognized in the November 1989 issue of Ebony magazine as one of the "30 Leaders of the Future" with a caption that read "Byron Brown chosen for leadership skills."{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB1953E42AA4FD1&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=People In The News - Ebony Features Brown Among Leaders|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=November 4, 1989|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News}} The Buffalo Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1991 honored him with the Martin Luther King Jr. Award for community service.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB19618759A1B56&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Honor Roll|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=October 20, 1991|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News}} In 1993 he was selected by Business First for its "40 Under Forty Honor Roll". He was awarded the Infinity Broadcasting/WBLK 2001 "Voice of Power Award" and the 2004 "Citizen of the Year" award. He also received the "Political Impact Award" from the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority in 2001.

In 1992, Brown was a delegate to the 1992 Democratic National Convention from the New York's 33rd congressional district. His vote was originally pledged to Bob Kerrey for the Democratic presidential nomination, but Brown transferred his support to then-Governor Bill Clinton after Kerrey bowed out of the 1992 Democratic Primary campaign on March 5, 1992.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF95E7137EFDCC&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=10 Buffalo-Area Delegates Switch To Clinton|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=March 14, 1992|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Borrelli, George}} In 1993, Brown was invited to attend Bill Clinton's Presidential Inauguration.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF968432B5FDC6&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=WNY Figures Invited To Event|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=January 17, 1993|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News}}

In his first attempt at public office in 1993, Brown ran for the third district of the Erie County Legislature against incumbent William Robinson and George "Butch" Holt, who had Eve's endorsement.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF9705EFA6EE34&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Younger Faction of Black Leadership is Itching To Take Control|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=September 9, 1993|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Heaney, James}} Robinson earned the Democratic Party endorsement in June 1993, with the help of Holt who voted for Robinson instead of himself.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF96D7032F54FE&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Democrats Back Robinson in Contest For Legislature|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=June 13, 1993|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Heaney, James}}{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF96DEDFDB5DFF&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Off Main Street Just One Legacy of Jimmy|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=June 27, 1993|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News}} In June, Brown was notified that he must resign his Erie County cabinet-level post in order to run for public office and he did so in July.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF96EF2F128D2F&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Martin's Objection To His Firing Dismissed Commissioner Serves At Pleasure of County Executive, An Authority Points Out|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=July 27, 1993|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Collison, Kevin}} Holt won the Democratic nomination with a 267-vote 40–37% margin over Brown in the September 14, 1993 primary election.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF97095D38A350&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Olma, Holt Capture County Legislature Races Incumbent Peoples Has Slim Lead in 7th District, But It's Too Close To Call|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=September 15, 1993|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News}}

Brown won the September 1995 Democratic primary for the Masten District Buffalo Common Council seat.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF98DB5D752464&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Experience Empowers Participants|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=October 22, 1995|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Warner, Gene}} He then took time out from campaigning to attend the October 16, 1995 Million Man March.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF98D7AA2BF640&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Area Black Men See Washington Event As A Call To Action|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=October 15, 1995|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Allen, Carl}} Brown ousted 18-year veteran council member, David Collins, to win his seat on the Buffalo Common Council. He beat Collins by a 5,391–1,670 (76–24%) margin in the November 7, 1995 general election.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF98E4A36CA59C&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Collins Out As Newcomers Win 4 Seats - Pitts President|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=November 8, 1995|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author1=Fairbanks, Phil |author2=McNeil, Harold }} In his 1997 re-election campaign, he won the September 9 Democratic primary handily,{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF9A63899E24E7&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=In Close Races, Incumbents Czajka and Lockwood Lose - Council Seats|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=September 10, 1997|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Fairbanks, Phil}} and he was unopposed in the November 4 general election.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF9A8170FDABC9&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Newcomers Manley, Fontana Win Seats On Council; 7 - Incumbents Re-Elected Easily|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=November 5, 1997|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Collison, Kevin}} In his 1999 re-election campaign, he again won the Democratic primary easily on September 14,{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF9C373B8B2EAA&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Double Win By Giambra Poses Threat to Gorski|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=September 15, 1999|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=McCarthy, Robert J.}} and he won the November 2 general election.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF9C4C76496010&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Strong Democratic Victories Put African-Americans In - Majority|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=November 3, 1999|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Dolan, Thomas J.}} Beginning in January 2000, Brown served as part of the first ever African-American majority in the history of the Buffalo Common Council.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF9C60310506A8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Newcomers to Council Speak Out On Their Goals|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=December 30, 1999|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Hammersley, Margaret}}

In 1996, The Buffalo News described Brown as "Buffalo's Julian Bond".{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF9983AF1E0EBF&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Buffalo's Power 2010 Roll Call Comprehensive, Yet Incomplete. When Predicting The Future, We May Miss A Few. But Bet On These|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=September 22, 1996|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News}} While on the council, the future state senator and mayor was called "bright, creative and hardworking" in a 1999 Buffalo News survey.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF9C207278705A&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Rating The Common Council|access-date=February 6, 2009|date=July 25, 1999|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News}}

In 2000, he competed for the Democratic nomination for the New York State Senate 57th District against incumbent Al Coppola and Samuel A. Herbert.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/13/nyregion/new-york-primary-legislature-most-incumbents-prevail-over-primary-challengers.html|title=New York Primary: The Legislature; Most Incumbents Prevail Over Primary Challengers|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=September 13, 2000|work=The New York Times|author=Levy, Clifford J.}} Coppola was endorsed by Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello. Brown won the September 2000 primary by a wide 18% margin. However, Coppola remained on the ballot in the general election on the Conservative Party of New York, Working Families Party and Green Party lines.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/18/nyregion/to-be-state-senator-he-must-beat-the-incumbent-again.html|title=To Be State Senator, He Must Beat the Incumbent, Again |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=October 18, 2000|work=The New York Times|author=Hicks, Jonathan P.}} The Republican Party nominee was the politically inexperienced Harrison R. Woolworth. Although Brown began the race without organized political support, he earned endorsements from many veteran non-Western New York politicians such as H. Carl McCall, Andrew Cuomo, and Hillary Clinton.

When he was sworn into the State Senate on January 1, 2001,{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF9CD0D844B598&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Glory Days - Prayers Answered as Singers Find a National Stage|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=January 5, 2001|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Violanti, Anthony}} Brown became New York's first African-American State Senator elected outside of New York City. He also became the first minority member of the New York State Senate to represent a majority-white district.{{cite web|url=http://www.ci.buffalo.ny.us/files/1_2_1/Mayor/MayorsBio060208.pdf|title=Biography: Mayor Byron Brown|access-date=January 14, 2009|publisher=www.ci.buffalo.ny.us. City of Buffalo}}{{cite web|url=http://wings.buffalo.edu/uncrownedqueens/K/bios/B/brown_byron_william.html |title=Biography: Byron William Brown |access-date=January 14, 2009 |publisher=Uncrowned Kings. Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research and Education on Women, Inc. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091111135141/http://wings.buffalo.edu/uncrownedqueens/K/bios/B/brown_byron_william.html |archive-date=November 11, 2009 }}

During Brown's tenure in the New York State Senate, the Democratic Party was in the minority. Brown was part of the majority that backed New York Governor George Pataki's 2001 plan to build up to three Western New York casinos on Seneca Indian land. The legislation was controversial because it granted slot machine rights to casino operators for the first time in New York State. Both of the previous casinos used video gambling machines with debit cards. Brown supported the casinos as a way to support the local economy.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/22/nyregion/lawmakers-are-ambivalent-on-pataki-s-casino-proposal.html|title=Lawmakers Are Ambivalent On Pataki's Casino Proposal|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=June 22, 2001|work=The New York Times|author=Sengupta, Somini}} When the casino was completed in 2003, he was on the seven-member commission that was to apportion the state's agreed 18% share of the slot machine revenue, amounting to approximately $40 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/27/nyregion/as-tribe-plans-hotel-for-casino-niagara-falls-weighs-effects-729230.html|title=As Tribe Plans Hotel for Casino, Niagara Falls Weighs Effects|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=December 27, 2003|work=The New York Times|author=Stone, Stacey}}

By spring of 2003, Brown was a rising star in the declining years of the "Harlem Clubhouse", a loose political fraternity of David Dinkins, Charles Rangel, Basil Paterson, Percy Sutton and sometimes H. Carl McCall that had dominated state politics while forging the careers of its members for much of the late 20th century. He was envisioned as a front-runner for the 2006 Democratic nomination as Lieutenant Governor of New York or as Buffalo's first black mayor.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/20/nyregion/to-beat-the-system-they-infiltrated-it-a-political-force-grows-in-buffalo.html|title=To Beat the System, They Infiltrated It; A Political Force Grows in Buffalo |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=March 20, 2003|work=The New York Times|author=Hicks, Jonathan P.}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/03/nyregion/as-political-lions-go-gray-harlem-wanes-as-center-of-power.html|title=As Political Lions Go Gray, Harlem Wanes as Center of Power |access-date=January 14, 2009|date=February 3, 2003|work=The New York Times|author=Hicks, Jonathan P.}} By 2004 it seemed clear that he was eyeing the mayor's office.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=101AAD43DB03EAD4&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Brown's Team Albany - As State Sen. Byron W. Brown Prepares To Run For Mayor Next Year, He's Crafting A Staff Rich With Political Operatives -- Including Democratic Insider G. Steven Pigeon|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=March 29, 2004|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=McCarthy, Robert J.}} In the 2004 New York State Senate elections, Republican nominee Al Coppola opposed Brown for the redistricted 60th District and garnered only 23% of the vote.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/04/us/the-2004-elections-new-york-region-the-races-for-the-new-york-state.html|title=The 2004 Elections: New York Region; The Races for the New York State Assembly and Senate|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=November 4, 2004|work=The New York Times}}

{{Main|2005 Buffalo mayoral election}}

In February 2005, Brown announced his candidacy for Mayor of Buffalo.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/14/nyregion/metro-briefing-new-york-buffalo-mayoral-candidate-announces.html|title=Metro Briefing | New York: Buffalo: Mayoral Candidate Announces |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=February 14, 2005|work=The New York Times}} On April 29, 2005, three-term Democratic Mayor Anthony Masiello announced he would not seek a fourth four-year term.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/30/nyregion/metrocampaigns/30buffalo.htm|title=Buffalo Mayor Won't Seek a Fourth Term in the Fall|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=April 29, 2005|work=The New York Times|author=Staba, David}} Masiello had run on both major party lines for his final two terms and had twice endorsed Republican Governor George Pataki. During his tenure, the city population and industrial tax base had decreased. Six candidates, including Brown, entered the race to replace him,{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/04/nyregion/metrocampaigns/04buffalo.htm|title=All Eyes on a Black Candidate in Buffalo's Mayoral Race|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=June 4, 2005|work=The New York Times|author=Hicks, Jonathan P.}} with Brown accumulating many endorsements and the backing of organized labor.

New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer described helping Brown win the Mayoral race as his "biggest campaign priority" in the last month and a half before Primary Day.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/08/nyregion/off-the-trail-2005-mayor-ferrer-has-spitzers-endorsement-hes-had.html|title=Off The Trail: 2005 Mayor; Ferrer Has Spitzer's Endorsement. He's Had It for Six Months. You Could Look It Up.|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=August 8, 2005|work=The New York Times|author=Healy, Patrick D.}} Buffalo, which had an 8:1 Democrat to Republican ratio and a 38% black population, was 75% contained in Brown's State Senate district. Brown carried 59% of the vote in the September 13, 2005, Democratic primary. He then went on to face Kevin Helfer, a former City Council colleague, in the general election.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/15/nyregion/metrocampaigns/15buffalo.html|title=State Senator Captures the Democratic Nomination for Mayor |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=September 15, 2005|work=The New York Times|author=Staba, David}} Brown was the sixth African-American to win the Democratic Mayor Primary since the 1960s, but all before him had failed to win the general election, even though the city had not elected a Republican since 1961.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/13/nyregion/13buffalo.html|title=Race Plays Silent Role in Campaign for Mayor of Buffalo |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=October 13, 2005|work=The New York Times|author=Hicks, Jonathan P.}} His Republican opponent, Helfer, beat him in the Conservative Party Primary as a write-in candidate, although Brown had been endorsed by that party. Brown raised more than five times as much money as Helfer, however, and defeated him 64% to 27% in the general election.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/09/nyregion/metrocampaigns/09buffalo.html|title=Buffalo Elects First Black Mayor, Who Claims Mandate|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=November 9, 2005|work=The New York Times|author=Staba, David}}

Image:20080702 Brown next to Clinton and Higgins while Schumer speaks.jpg Hillary Clinton and Rep. Brian Higgins while Sen. Charles Schumer speaks at Erie Canal Harbor opening ceremony on July 2, 2008.]]

Brown was sworn in on December 31, 2005, at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10EEEF35198595A8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Brown takes office as mayor - Inauguration ceremony, City Hall reception highlight diversity |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=January 1, 2006|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author1=McCarthy, Robert J. |author2=Meyer, Brian }} During his first day in office he toured the Buffalo Waterfront to show his commitment to its development. Before the end of the year, restoration on the original point where the Erie Canal met the Great Lakes was underway.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/18/nyregion/18buffalo.html|title=After a Half-Century of Decline, Signs of Better Times for Buffalo |access-date=January 14, 2009|date=September 18, 2006|work=The New York Times|author=Staba, David}} Brown presented his plans for the development during subsequent tours by top state leaders, including future New York State Governors Eliot Spitzer and David Paterson.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/15/nyregion/15spitzer.html|title=Spitzer, on Upstate Tour, Speaks of Reviving Region |access-date=January 14, 2009|date=November 15, 2006|work=The New York Times|author=Confessore, Nicholas}} Erie Canal Harbor eventually opened on July 2, 2008.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=121B0819974BAF20&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Curtain rises on new waterfront - Official opening casts redevelopment of historic location in starring role|access-date=January 14, 2009|date=July 2, 2008|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Fairbanks, Phil}}

In early 2006, the Seneca Nation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission to build the third of the three Western New York casinos that had been legislated in 2002. In 2007, Brown was not sure he was in favor of the third casino, which seemed to cater to local residents instead of luring tourist revenues. Tom Golisano, founder of Paychex, former owner of the Buffalo Sabres National Hockey League franchise and three-time candidate for New York State Governor, suggested that the Buffalo economy would not benefit from a business designed to transfer money from local citizens to the Seneca Gaming Corporation. Brown withheld support while awaiting clarification of the target consumer for the third casino.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/17/nyregion/17buffalo.html|title=A Casino Proposal That Was Once Lauded Is Now Drawing Criticism |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=April 17, 2006|work=The New York Times|author=Staba, David}} In October 2006, the Seneca Nation and Brown came to terms on the final sale of a two-block stretch of city road that runs amid the {{convert|9|acre|m2|adj=on}} construction site. As part of the sale the nation agreed to both marketing terms (regarding marketing beyond the local region), and hiring preferences for city residents.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/06/nyregion/06mbrfs-011.html|title=Buffalo: Casino Moves Forward |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=October 6, 2006|work=The New York Times}} However, in January 2007, a federal judge ruled that the granting of permission to run the third casino by the National Indian Gaming Commission was improper.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/19/nyregion/19casino.html|title=Buffalo Looks for Work but Debates Casino's Value|access-date=January 14, 2009|date=February 19, 2007|work=The New York Times|author=Belson, Ken}} Seneca Nation received federal approval for their casino on July 2, 2007, and opened the following day.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/04/nyregion/04casino.html|title=Temporary Seneca Casino Opens in Downtown Buffalo|access-date=January 14, 2009|date=July 4, 2007|work=The New York Times|author1=Staba, David |author2=Belson, Ken }}

Brown was one of the original 15 mayors from United States cities such as Washington, Dallas, Philadelphia, Seattle and Milwaukee who convened at a meeting hosted by Michael Bloomberg and Thomas Menino at Gracie Mansion to confirm their support for more serious attacks on the use of illegal firearms. Bloomberg and Philip A. Amicone, the mayor of Yonkers, were the only Republicans. The mayors all signed a six-point "statement of principles" focused on punishing gun possession "to the maximum extent of the law", prosecuting dealers who knowingly sell guns to criminals through so-called straw purchasers, opposing two United States House of Representatives bills to restrict cities' access to gun-tracing data, endorsing technologies to detect illegal guns, and coordinating strategies and outreach to other cities in hopes of reconvening with at least 50 mayors by year end.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/26/nyregion/26guns.html|title=Seeking a National Voice, 15 Mayors Meet on Gun Violence|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=April 26, 2006|work=The New York Times|author=Chan, Sewell}} A little over a year later the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition co-chaired by Bloomberg and Menino included 225 bi-partisan municipal leaders in pursuit of legal, political and media strategies to stem gun crime and had a stated goal of "making the public safer by getting illegal guns off the streets".{{cite web| url=http://www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org/html/about/members.shtml| title=Mayors Against Illegal Guns: Coalition Members|access-date=November 24, 2008|publisher=Mayors Against Illegal Guns |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080327061125/http://www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org/html/about/members.shtml |archive-date = March 27, 2008}} Brown noted that he learned several techniques that became useful in Buffalo in reducing the homicide rate 21% from the coalition and talks with specific mayors.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/04/nyregion/04guns.html|title=Bloomberg Cast as Enemy No. 1 of Gun Rights |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=June 4, 2007|work=The New York Times|author=Cardwell, Diane}} Rising homicides had been a disappointment in his first year as mayor.

Brown's first-year review as a mayor was mixed. He was praised for his overhaul of city hall, his follow through on projects and systems, and his influence on statewide redistribution, but he was dogged by crime issues and his efforts for the planned casino. His agenda, hiring and discipline were respected, but rising homicides, continuing decay and evolving bureaucracy were troubling. In addition to public perceptions, Brown had a good working relationship with the Buffalo Common Council.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1165C49963B20408&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Brown gives himself an 'A' after first year as Buffalo mayor - Others agree he's had some success, but other problems linger|access-date=February 5, 2009|date=December 30, 2006|publisher=Newsbank|work=Buffalo News|author=Meyer, Brian}}

Image:20080927 Byron Brown cropped.jpg.]]

As mayor of Buffalo, he presided over emergency relief from blizzards such as the mid-October 2006 two-foot snow storm.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/16/nyregion/metro-briefing-new-york-buffalo-progress-made-in-clearing-storm.html|title=Metro Briefing | New York: Buffalo: Progress Made In Clearing Storm Damage |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=October 16, 2006|work=The New York Times}} The storm more than doubled the previous record for single-day October snowfall. Despite the fact that about 200,000 city residents were without electricity, the city saw no spike in criminal activity, according to Brown.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/14/nyregion/14storm.html|title=Snowstorm Blankets Buffalo, Killing at Least 3 |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=October 14, 2006|work=The New York Times|author=Staba, David}}

Buffalo is second only to St. Louis among cities nationwide in terms of percentage of vacant properties per capita. Therefore, in fall 2007, Brown committed to a $100 million five-year plan to demolish 5,000 houses, which is about half of the city's total of vacant houses. However, since Buffalo has the second highest residential poverty rate (to Detroit) homes continue to be abandoned. The program may benefit the city because abandoned house costs it an approximate average of $20,060 over five years in lost taxes, debris removal, inspections, and policing. Also, 41% of all fires in Buffalo are in vacant buildings, and more than 90% of all arson cases involved abandoned houses.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/13/nyregion/13vacant.html|title=Vacant Houses, Scourge of a Beaten-Down Buffalo |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=September 13, 2007|work=The New York Times|author=Belson, Ken}} Subsequently, during the first ever "State of Upstate Address", New York Governor Spitzer suggested committing $100 million in state funds to build or rehabilitate 10,000 homes and apartments.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/17/nyregion/17upstate.html|title=Spitzer Offers Broad Plan to Help Upstate Economy |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=January 17, 2008|work=The New York Times|author=Lee, Trymaine}} The mayor's initial demolition plans met with resistance from preservationists and he had to negotiate with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which got him attention from coast to coast.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/16/arts/design/16ouro.html|title=Saving Buffalo's Untold Beauty |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=November 14, 2008|work=The New York Times|author=Ouroussoff, Nicolai}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/16/MNCB143Q4L.DTL|title=Historic Buffalo's revival sets new model|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=November 16, 2008|publisher=Hearst Communications Inc.|work=San Francisco Chronicle|author=Ouroussoff, Nicolai}}

In 2008, Brown convinced Buffalo to use a real-time wireless video surveillance system. The city installed 56 Avrio Rapid Deployment Surveillance Solution PoleCams. The system was the result of a request by Brown that the city evaluate surveillance cameras in other cities.{{cite web|url=http://www.govtech.com/gt/373784 |title=Buffalo, N.Y. Fights Crime With Wireless Video Surveillance |access-date=February 7, 2009 |date=June 24, 2008 |work=Government Technology|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906091217/http://www.govtech.com/gt/373784 |archive-date=September 6, 2008 }} By January 2009 State of the City Address, Brown reported that crime had fallen 12% and homicide by 50% since he had taken office.{{cite web |url=http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/mayor_brown_points_to_accomplishments_090129 |title=Mayor Brown points to accomplishments |access-date=February 7, 2009 |date=January 29, 2009 |publisher=LIN Television Corporation |work=WIVB.com |author=Flynn, Lisa |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201034235/http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/mayor_brown_points_to_accomplishments_090129 |archive-date=February 1, 2009 }}

File:20081021 Byron Brown headshot.jpg

On June 13, 2008, upon the death of NBC News Washington Bureau Chief and Meet the Press moderator Tim Russert, who was a proud Buffalo native, Brown ordered that all flags on city property be lowered to half-staff in order to honor Russert's memory.{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/06/13/tim.russert/index.html?iref=newssearch|title=Newsman Tim Russert dies at 58|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=June 14, 2008|publisher=Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.}} Brown called Russert one of Buffalo's finest ambassadors, and his decision to lower the flags in honor of Russert, a civilian who never held elected office, was an unusual gesture that was described as breathtaking on Hardball with Chris Matthews by Tom Brokaw.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna25148636|title=Special Coverage On The Passing Of Tim Russert: Read the transcript from the special coverage|access-date=January 14, 2009|date=June 13, 2008|publisher=NBC News. Microsoft}} He was joined by several other officials in recognizing Russert. Chief among those was United States President George W. Bush who signed a bill that named a stretch of U.S. Route 20A that passes in front of Ralph Wilson Stadium (home stadium of the Buffalo Bills) Timothy J. Russert Highway.{{cite news|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:WPIW&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1223698B6E28FC70&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Russert's Name to Live On in His Native City|access-date=January 14, 2009|date=July 28, 2008|publisher=Newbank|newspaper=The Washington Post|author1=Argetsinger, Amy |author2=Roberts, Roxanne }}

In a public relations controversy, Brown got caught in a fight against the movement to replace traditional lawns with front yard gardens. His office had issued an edict that a resident remove her landscape renovations. However, an e-mail campaign in defense of the resident caused the mayor to rethink his stance.{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/24/HOMASS9EU.DTL|title=Garden warrior uproots policy: Unlikely rebel wins change in code to allow more edibles

|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=October 24, 2007|publisher=Hearst Communications Inc.|work=San Francisco Chronicle|author1=Sullivan, Ron |author2=Eaton, Joe }}

In 2019 Buffalo won the Golden Snowball Award, an award presented annually to the Upstate New York city that had the largest snowfall the previous winter. Brown refused to claim the Golden Snowball Trophy from the mayor of the previous winner, Syracuse, because he "did not see the contest as 'a real contest'".{{Cite web|url=https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/unwanted-trophy-buffalo-won-golden-snowball-but-has-not-claimed-it/71-ae97301e-7949-4d5c-9d76-2b349a17f472|title = Unwanted trophy: Buffalo won Golden Snowball but has not claimed it|date = January 10, 2020}}

{{Main|2009 Buffalo mayoral election}}

On September 15, 2009, Brown won the Democratic Primary for a second term by a nearly two to one margin over City council member Michael P. Kearns.{{cite web|url=http://www.wkbw.com/news/59410662.html|title=Byron Brown Wins Democratic Mayoral Primary|access-date=September 16, 2009|date=September 15, 2009|publisher=WKBW-TV|author=Leight, Allen}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}} Brown had amassed an early lead amongst voters until several scandals involving former basketball star Leonard Stokes, including the questionable government support of his failed "One Sunset" restaurant and a perceived undue influence in mitigating Stokes's arrest for possessing a stolen handicapped parking permit, cut away most of his lead. There were no Republican, third-party or independent candidates, so Brown ran unopposed and won the general election.{{cite web|url=http://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/buffalo-mayor-set-for-2nd-term-after-primary-win-1.1448610 |title=Buffalo mayor set for 2nd term after primary win |access-date=September 16, 2009 |date=September 15, 2009 |work=Newsday |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924025950/http://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/buffalo-mayor-set-for-2nd-term-after-primary-win-1.1448610 |archive-date=September 24, 2009 }}

Brown and Erie County Democratic Party chairman Leonard Lenihan were at odds over various political positions after Lenihan played a major role in Brown's election to the office of mayor. Brown supported Andrew Cuomo for New York Attorney General in the 2006 general election, David Paterson for Lieutenant Governor of New York in the 2006 general election and Antoine Thompson for 60th District New York Senator in a special election on February 28, 2006. Lenihan disagreed with each of these choices.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10F7D59A8ADA7528&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Smooth sailing, then choppy waters|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=January 29, 2006|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=McCarthy, Bob}} Thompson had run Brown's last common council campaign,{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF9CD0F1C7F2EE&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Ex-Aide Sworn In As Council Member|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=January 5, 2001|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Campagna, Darryl}} and Brown was upset that he did not get to select his successor in the 60th District. Many supporters considered boycotting the special election due to a perceived racial slight against an African American who seemed to be wrongfully shutout of the process. Lenihan pointed out that neither of the previous state senators turned mayor, Anthony Masiello and James D. Griffin, was granted the right to pick their successor,{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10FB75D994349F68&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Will 'sit-out' be the way tosend message?|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=February 9, 2006|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Watson, Rod}} and he noted that Thompson had not been timely in entering the special election process.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10F1924B8B7BD5A8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Democrats won't back Thompson for State Senate—Republicans to gauge interest of School Board member Jacobs|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=January 10, 2006|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=McCarthy, Robert J.}} The Erie and Niagara County Democratic committees bypassed Thompson as their nominee in favor of Marc Coppola despite Brown's backing in the February special election.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/25/nyregion/republicans-see-a-rare-opportunity-in-buffalo-district.html|title=G.O.P. Sees Rare Opportunity in a State Senate Race|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=February 25, 2006|work=The New York Times|author=Staba, David}} Thompson subsequently decided to run for the New York Senate seat in the November general election.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:RDCB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10FA426C95343130&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=GOP may face stiff battles in House|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=February 6, 2006|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Spector, Joseph}}

The week before the 2006 New York State Democratic Convention, Brown was described as a political confidant of Democratic New York Attorney General candidate Andrew Cuomo.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/27/nyregion/27ag.html|title=This Time, a Humbler, More Cautious Cuomo Forges Ahead |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=May 27, 2006|work=The New York Times|author=Hicks, Jonathan P.}} He seconded Cuomo's nomination at the convention on May 30, 2006.{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=112008159AEFFB18&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Cuomo is choice for attorney general - Area native O'Donnell plans to petition for spot on ballot |access-date=November 24, 2008|date=May 31, 2006|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Habuda, Janice L.}} Throughout the campaign Brown was described as a close political advisor to Cuomo.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/30/nyregion/30cuomo.html|title=As Pirro's Campaign Gets Sidetracked, Cuomo Remains Silent |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=September 30, 2006|work=The New York Times|author=Hicks, Jonathan P.}} He was noted as (along with Charles Rangel) one of the important black political leaders that Cuomo courted on his road to victory.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/08/nyregion/08ag.html|title=Cuomo Wins Attorney General Race Handily After a Stormy Campaign|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=November 8, 2006|work=The New York Times|author=Hicks, Jonathan P.}}

During the 2008 United States presidential election, like most of the New York State Democratic establishment,{{cite web|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/31/why-dinkins-supports-clinton|title=Why Dinkins Supports Clinton|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=January 31, 2008|work=The New York Times|author=Hicks, Jonathan P.}} Brown was a supporter of Hillary Clinton, the United States senator from New York. This marked a break from his earlier political organization, Grassroots, which supported Barack Obama from the outset.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/05/nyregion/05york.html|title=Many Democrats Still Wavering on a Choice|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=February 5, 2008|work=The New York Times|author=Powell, Michael}}{{cite web|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/05/two-mayors-join-forces-to-support-obama/|title=Two Mayors Join Forces to Support Obama|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=February 5, 2008|work=The New York Times|author=Dwoskin, Elizabeth}} He even ran to be a delegate for Clinton at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.{{cite web|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/31/a-pitched-battle-upstate-for-democratic-votes|title=A Pitched Battle Upstate for Democratic Votes|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=January 31, 2008|work=The New York Times|author=Staba, David}} In July 2008, Golisano announced that he would attempt to create change in Albany by spending $5 million on targeted campaigns. During the New York state September primary elections for state office, The New York Times alleged that Brown was aiding Golisano's attempt to unseat Sam Hoyt in the New York State Assembly.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/09/nyregion/09primer.html|title=What the Political Insiders Will Be Watching, in a Primary Often Overlooked |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=September 8, 2008|work=The New York Times|author=Confessore, Nicholas}}

As Hillary Clinton resigned her United States Senate seat on January 21, 2009, to assume a position in the United States Cabinet under United States President Barack Obama,{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/01/22/news/news-us-usa-politics-kennedy.html|title=Caroline Kennedy Withdraws Senate Bid|access-date=January 22, 2009|date=January 22, 2009|work=The New York Times}} {{Dead link|date=June 2010| bot=DASHBot}} New York Governor David Paterson was required to appoint a temporary replacement until a special election in 2010 for the balance of her term. Some thought that the New York State Governor would appoint a minority senator such as Brown, Gregory W. Meeks, H. Carl McCall, William C. Thompson Jr., José E. Serrano or Nydia M. Velázquez.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/22/us/politics/22hillary.html|title=If Clinton Should Win, Who Would Take Her Place?|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=January 22, 2007|work=The New York Times|author1=Chan, Sewell |author2=Pérez-Peña, Richard }} However, Andrew Cuomo was the front-runner for the seat and the next most likely candidates were Velázquez, Steve Israel, Nita Lowey and Meeks.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/22/nyregion/22york.html|title=New York Weighs Options to Fill the Seat of Senator Clinton |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=November 21, 2008|work=The New York Times|author=Hakim, Danny}} Prominent women who were mentioned include Carolyn B. Maloney and Caroline Kennedy.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/04/us/politics/04senateseat.html|title=Wishing and Hoping for Clinton's Seat|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=October 4, 2007|work=The New York Times|author=Hakim, Danny}} The New York Times's Danny Hakim noted that Cuomo, Paterson and Brown were the three names most often mentioned prior to Paterson's ascension to the governor's office. Although these three were the favorites, Brown was considered an unknown outside of Western New York.{{cite web|url=http://www.realclearpolitics.com/the_scorecard/2008/11/potential_clinton_successors.html|title=Potential Clinton successors|access-date=February 5, 2009|date=November 14, 2008|work=RealClearPolitics|author=Kraushaar, Josh}} Nonetheless, Brown's name was mentioned before Kennedy's and Cuomo's in a New York Times article paragraph about Paterson's final nomination decision thoughts.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/23/nyregion/23nyc.html|title=The Paterson Show Takes a Comic Turn, and It Isn't Funny |access-date=February 5, 2009|date=January 22, 2009|work=The New York Times|author=Haberman, Clyde}} In fact, in at least one article in The New York Times on the subject, Brown was mentioned and Cuomo wasn't.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/nyregion/22process.html|title=Double-Takes by the Governor in Casting a Senator |access-date=February 5, 2009|date=January 21, 2009|work=The New York Times|author=Peters, Jeremy W.}} When Paterson announced he had selected Blue Dog Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand, Brown was one of the few contenders to attend the event.{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/01/23/2009-01-23_critics_pounce_on_gov_patersons_choice_o.html|title=Critics pounce on Gov. Paterson's choice of Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand for Hillary's Senate seat|access-date=January 27, 2009|date=January 23, 2009|publisher=NYDailyNews.com|work=New York Daily News|author=Lovett, Kenneth}}

When Andrew Cuomo ran for governor during the 2010 New York gubernatorial election, Brown was mentioned in early 2010 as a possible Lieutenant Governor of New York candidate by numerous sources, including multiple journalists from The New York Times.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/22/nyregion/22paterson.html|title=Paterson, Before Meeting Obama, Hones Message|access-date=March 11, 2010|date=February 22, 2010|work=The New York Times|author=Peters, Jeremy W.|page=A15}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/25/nyregion/25race.html|title=Still Preparing, Cuomo Courts Black Support |access-date=March 11, 2010|date=January 25, 2010|work=The New York Times|author=Hakim, Danny|page=A1}} Meanwhile, in early 2010, newly transplanted New Yorker Harold Ford Jr. considered challenging New York's junior United States senator, Kirsten E. Gillibrand, in the 2010 United States Senate special election in New York and met with Brown as part of his statewide political travels.{{cite web|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/25/dont-schmear-me-ford-warns/|title=Don't 'Schmear' Me, Ford Warns|access-date=March 11, 2010|date=January 25, 2010|work=The New York Times|author=Peters, Jeremy W.}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/25/nyregion/25fordstyle.html|title=An Unofficial Candidate, on the Trail |access-date=March 11, 2010|date=January 25, 2010|work=The New York Times|author=Barbaro, Michael|page=A13}}

{{see also|2013 Buffalo mayoral election|2017 Buffalo mayoral election}}

{{Expand section|date=June 2020}}

Brown was elected to a third and fourth term, winning handily in both elections. Among some of his most notable actions during these terms include successfully lobbying for a replacement for the Exchange Street Amtrak station{{cite news |url=http://www.wgrz.com/news/local/deadline-is-thursday-for-train-station-decision/432654958 |title=Downtown Buffalo recommended for train station |newspaper=WGRZ |date=April 20, 2017 |access-date=April 27, 2017 }}{{Dead link|date=November 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and announcing changes to the Buffalo Police Department following an incident between protesters and police during the George Floyd protests.{{Cite web |date=2020-06-11 |title=Buffalo mayor calls police union a "barrier to reform" after viral video sparks condemnation |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/buffalo-mayor-byron-brown-calls-police-union-a-barrier-to-reform-after-viral-video-sparks-condemnation/ |access-date=2020-06-14 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} He also oversaw a period of development after the passing of the Buffalo Billion program.

He was a close political ally of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.{{Cite web|date=2021-06-24|title=Brown loses Buffalo mayor primary to socialist; now what?|url=https://www.syracuse.com/state/2021/06/byron-brown-loses-primary-for-buffalo-mayor-to-socialist-now-what.html|access-date=2021-08-19|website=syracuse|language=en}}

In 2016, Brown spearheaded The Unified Development Ordinance, also known as the Buffalo Green Code, which eliminated minimum parking standards in the city's zoning regulations.{{Cite web|last=Sommer|first=Mark|title=Buffalo's zoning code steps into the 21st century|url=https://buffalonews.com/news/local/buffalos-zoning-code-steps-into-the-21st-century/article_a8b81e45-f6f3-526e-99fe-dde988ef9c78.html|access-date=2021-11-03|website=The Buffalo News|date=December 27, 2016 |language=en}}

{{see also|2021 Buffalo mayoral election}}

{{Expand section|date=June 2021}}

In 2021, Brown campaigned for an unprecedented fifth term,{{Cite web|url=https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/buffalo-mayor-byron-brown-to-seek-fifth-term-formal-announcement-expected|title = Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown to officially seek fifth term|date = February 23, 2021}} but was defeated in the Democratic primary on June 23, 2021, by India Walton.{{Cite web|date=2021-06-23|title=India Walton wins Democratic primary for Mayor of Buffalo|url=https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/india-walton-wins-democratic-primary-for-mayor-of-buffalo|access-date=2021-06-26|website=WKBW|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2021-06-23|title=India Walton unofficially beats 4-term Buffalo mayor Byron Brown in Democratic primary; on track to be Buffalo's first female mayor|url=https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/india-walton-unofficially-beats-4-term-buffalo-mayor-byron-brown-in-democratic-primary/|access-date=2021-06-26|website=News 4 Buffalo|language=en-US}} During the primary campaign, Brown refused to participate in debates.{{Cite web|url=https://buffalonews.com/news/local/government-and-politics/byron-brown-seeking-a-fifth-mayoral-term-in-buffalo-is-not-taking-the-campaign-bait/article_5d96b310-ced2-11eb-a369-ff502204f88c.html|title = Byron Brown, seeking a fifth mayoral term in Buffalo, is not taking the campaign bait| date=June 20, 2021 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.investigativepost.org/2021/06/12/browns-non-campaign-campaign-for-mayor/|title = Brown's non-campaign campaign for mayor|date = June 12, 2021}} While initially low key in his fundraising efforts,{{Cite web|url=https://www.investigativepost.org/2021/06/08/byron-browns-campaign-donors/|title = Byron Brown's campaign donors|date = June 8, 2021}} he was supported by a number of wealthy donors late into his campaign.{{Cite web|title=Wealthy last-minute donors supporting Mayor Byron Brown campaign|url=https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/wealthy-last-minute-donors-supporting-mayor-byron-brown-campaign/71-070d5207-9d7f-40c8-bf26-2ccb353fde45|access-date=2021-06-26|website=wgrz.com|date=June 21, 2021|language=en-US}}

After his defeat in the primary, Brown announced that he would run as a write-in candidate in the general election.{{cite web |last1=Adams |first1=Saundra |title=Mayor Brown's team petitioning to get his name on the November ballot |url=https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/mayor-brown-making-a-push-to-get-his-name-on-november-ballot-india-walton-vote/71-0940338e-9457-4dc4-b80a-25d0522c9300 |website=WGRZ |date=August 16, 2021 |access-date=August 16, 2021}} Since the Erie County Democratic Party has supported India Walton following her victory in the Democratic Party primary, Brown increasingly relied on support from local Republican officials and right-wing organizations which were opposed to Walton, including to assist with collecting signatures for a place on the general election ballot.

On August 17, 2021, Brown's campaign submitted approximately 3,000 signatures in order to appear on the ballot as an independent, with the party label "Buffalo Party."{{cite web |last1=Anstey |first1=Evan |title=Mayor Brown to submit petition to get on November ballot with "Buffalo" party |date=August 16, 2021 |url=https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/buffalo/mayor-brown-to-submit-petition-to-get-on-november-ballot-with-buffalo-party/ |publisher=WIVB4 |access-date=August 17, 2021}}{{cite web |last1=WGRZ Staff |title=Mayor Byron Brown comments on potential support from Buffalo GOP |date=August 2, 2021 |url=https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/mayor-byron-brown-comments-on-potential-support-from-buffalo-gop/71-fcf22579-542a-4186-9e2d-defb5503e56b |publisher=WGRZ |access-date=August 20, 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Kelly |first1=Geoff |title=Campaign Notes: Week of Aug. 15 |url=https://www.investigativepost.org/2021/08/17/campaign-notes-week-of-aug-15/ |website=Investigative Post |date=August 17, 2021 |publisher=Institute for Non-Profit News}} The Erie County Board of Elections initially ruled the petitions invalid, and Brown sued for ballot access.{{cite web |last1=Richard |first1=Winger |title=Buffalo Mayor Will Challenge New York Independent Candidate Petition Deadline |date=August 15, 2021 |url=https://ballot-access.org/2021/08/15/buffalo-mayor-will-challenge-new-york-independent-candidate-petition-deadline/ |publisher=Ballot Access News |access-date=August 17, 2021}} However, on September 16, 2021, state and federal courts ruled against Brown, meaning that he would not appear on the 2021 general election ballot and would instead continue his campaign as a write-in candidate.{{cite web |last1=Richert |first1=George |title=Erie County BOE formally certifies Buffalo Mayoral ballot without Byron Brown's name |date=September 17, 2021 |url=https://www.wivb.com/india-walton-buffalo-mayor/erie-county-boe-formally-certifies-buffalo-mayoral-ballot-without-byron-browns-name/ |publisher=WIVB4 |access-date=September 20, 2021}}

During the November 2 general election, Brown was re-elected after winning 58.8% of the vote as a write-in candidate.{{cite news|url=https://www.wbfo.org/local/2021-11-02/buffalo-mayor-byron-brown-appears-to-win-reelection-as-write-in-candidate|title=Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown appears to win reelection as write-in candidate|first1=Tom|last1=Dinki|first2=Emyle|last2=Watkins|publisher=WBFO|date=2 November 2021|access-date=3 November 2021}} Brown declared his surprise victory as "one of the greatest comeback stories in our history."{{cite news|url=https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/politics/elections/buffalo-mayor-race-byron-brown-india-walton-election-results/71-6ffa7f1f-d1d3-4136-82c5-bc38cbd7ff99|title='The people chose one of the greatest comeback stories in our history': Byron Brown declares victory in Buffalo mayor race|publisher=WGRZ|date=2 November 2021|access-date=3 November 2021}} Brown had focused his campaign on rejecting the supposed radical views of Walton while stressing his own moderate credentials. He stated his victory was "a rebuke of defund the police... a rebuke of socialism".{{Cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/580023-buffalo-mayor-says-reelection-a-rebuke-of-socialism-police-defunding|title=Buffalo mayor says reelection a rebuke of socialism, police defunding|access-date=November 20, 2021|author=Tal Axelrod|work=The Hill|date=November 4, 2021}}

Brown received general election endorsements from U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi, Buffalo Common Council members Joseph Golombek, Christopher Scanlon, and Ulysees Wingo, former mayor of Buffalo Anthony Masiello, the editorial board of The Buffalo News, and the local, county, and state police unions.{{Cite web|last=W. Brown|first=Byron|date=2021-10-09|title=As a former Mayor, Congressman Suozzi fully understands what is at stake in this election. It is about continuing our progress in Buffalo over the next four years! I am grateful for his support! #WriteDownByronBrown|url=https://www.facebook.com/brown4buffalo/videos/as-a-former-mayor-congressman-suozzi-fully-understands-what-is-at-stake-in-this-/242679627856655/|access-date=2021-11-07|website=Facebook|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Buckley|first=Eileen|date=2021-06-29|title=Support for Mayor Brown's write-in|url=https://www.wkbw.com/news/politics/support-for-mayor-browns-write-in|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-07|website=WKBW-TV|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629224005/https://www.wkbw.com/news/politics/support-for-mayor-browns-write-in |archive-date=June 29, 2021 }}{{Cite web|date=2021-06-29|title=BROWN FOR BUFFALO ANNOUNCES SUPPORTERS OF WRITE-IN CAMPAIGN|url=https://www.scribd.com/document/514901422/Write-Down-Byron-Brown-Supporters|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-07|website=Scribd|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210708235307/https://www.scribd.com/document/514901422/Write-Down-Byron-Brown-Supporters |archive-date=July 8, 2021 }}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2021-10-23|title=The Editorial Board: Re-elect Brown, who knows how to govern, unlike the dangerously inexperienced Walton|url=https://buffalonews.com/opinion/editorial/the-editorial-board-re-elect-brown-who-knows-how-to-govern-unlike-the-dangerously-inexperienced/article_c57e1354-3289-11ec-a98f-bf4140eddcb5.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-07|website=The Buffalo News|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023204930/https://buffalonews.com/opinion/editorial/the-editorial-board-re-elect-brown-who-knows-how-to-govern-unlike-the-dangerously-inexperienced/article_c57e1354-3289-11ec-a98f-bf4140eddcb5.html |archive-date=October 23, 2021 }}{{Cite web|date=2021-10-12|title=Police benevolent associations endorse Mayor Brown for re-election|url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/local-politics/2021/10/12/police-benevolent-associations-endorse-mayor-brown-for-re-election|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-07|website=Spectrum News 1|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012194914/https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/local-politics/2021/10/12/police-benevolent-associations-endorse-mayor-brown-for-re-election |archive-date=October 12, 2021 }}

Brown held a press conference on September 30, 2024, where he announced his intention to resign from office in order to accept a job as president and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting. His resignation took effect on October 15. Christopher Scanlon, the president of the Buffalo Common Council, will serve as acting mayor until the regularly scheduled mayoral election in November 2025.

Byron Brown is married to the former Michelle Austin and they have a son, Byron III,{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=11860E471BE87860&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Brown's son confessed to detective - Mayor Gave Benefit Of The Doubt Questions still linger over accident details |access-date=November 24, 2008|date=April 7, 2007|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Spina, Matthew}}{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1185BA258BD1E100&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Police fail to view new tape in car case - Mayor's SUV, driver are shown, college says |access-date=November 24, 2008|date=April 6, 2007|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Spina, Matthew}}{{cite web|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1183BFB898C09FC8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Mayor Brown 'baffled' by theft of SUV|access-date=November 24, 2008|date=March 31, 2007|publisher=Newsbank|work=The Buffalo News|author=Meyer, Brian}} who is referred to as Byron Jr. by some accounts. Brown III enjoys basketball and has attended high-level youth basketball camps. He played for City Honors School.{{cite news|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:WPIW&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=11A387077B3A9130&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Camps Turn to Skills, Rather Than Thrills - Shoe Company-Sponsored Events for High School Basketball Players Have Begun to Put an Emphasis on Fundamentals |access-date=November 24, 2008|date=July 6, 2007|publisher=Newbank|newspaper=The Washington Post|author=Prisbell, Eric}} On the national level, he was an unheralded point guard in the 2008 high school graduating class,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/|title=Prospects (2008)|access-date=November 26, 2008|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures}} and he went on to attend Queen City Prep in Charlotte, North Carolina.{{cite web|url=http://buffalonews.typepad.com/preptalk/2008/10/big-day-for-ham.html|title=Big day for Hamburg's McLimans|access-date=November 26, 2008|date=October 27, 2008|work=The Buffalo News|author=McShea, Keith}}

The Brown family attends St. John Baptist Church. While mayor, Brown has performed at least one wedding ceremony at the church.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/fashion/weddings/12erussell.html|title=Elena Russell and Raymour Nosworthy |access-date=March 11, 2010|date=July 12, 2009|work=The New York Times|page=ST10}} Byron Brown is a chapter president of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, a past President of the Buffalo State College Alumni Association Board, and at the time of his mayoral inauguration he sat on the Board of the Boy Scout Council of Western New York and the Community Action Organization of Erie County.{{cite web|url=http://www.bnmc.org/BNMC/Bios/Bio_Brown.html|title=Byron W. Brown|access-date=November 24, 2008|publisher=Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927040835/http://www.bnmc.org/BNMC/Bios/Bio_Brown.html |archive-date = September 27, 2007|url-status=dead}} Brown collects tropical fish and maintains an aquarium in his Buffalo Mayor's office. His parents divorced and at the beginning of his mayoral tenure, his mother was living in Buffalo. He also is a member of the Erie County Democratic Committee. He was a delegate to the 1992, 2000 and 2004 Democratic National Conventions.

On May 2, 2008, Brown made use of the Buffalo Police Department, police from neighboring suburbs, the S.W.A.T team, Erie County Sheriff's department (with officers' guns strapped to their thighs), CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives) Unit armored vehicles, the K-9 unit, and a mobile command to police "Quad Party", a yearly, end-of-semester celebration held by students of Canisius College, which is situated in his neighborhood, prompting accusations of "overkill" in terms of law enforcement presence.{{cite web| url=http://www.topix.net/forum/city/buffalo-ny/T77NIJML88LT19H4I/p4| title=Police Presence Overkill?}}

In August 2008, it was revealed that Brown condoned a Buffalo Police Department policy of illegally withholding crime reports from public knowledge.{{cite web| url = http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/408842.html| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081201205616/http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/408842.html| archive-date = 2008-12-01| title = Mayor silent on department's crime report policy : Home: The Buffalo News}}

{{Election box begin no change|title = 2021 Buffalo mayoral Democratic primary{{Cite news |date=June 25, 2021 |title=How India Walton upset Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown: a district-by-district breakdown |work=WKBW-TV |url=https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/how-india-walton-upset-buffalo-mayor-byron-brown-a-district-by-district-breakdown |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210625182551/https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/how-india-walton-upset-buffalo-mayor-byron-brown-a-district-by-district-breakdown |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=September 23, 2021 }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = India Walton

|votes = 11,132

|percentage = 51.85%

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Byron Brown (incumbent)

|votes = 9,625

|percentage = 44.83%

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Le’Candice Durham

|votes = 650

|percentage = 3.03%

|change =

}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|candidate = Write-ins

|votes = 62

|percentage = 0.29%

|change =

}}

{{Election box total no change|

|votes = 21,469

|percentage = 100.00%

|change =

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{See also|2021 New York state elections}}{{Election box begin no change|title = 2021 Buffalo mayoral election{{cite web|url=https://elections.erie.gov/Default|title=2021 General Election UnOfficial Results|website=Erie County Board of Elections|date=19 November 2021|accessdate=20 November 2021}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent politician

|candidate = Byron Brown (write-in)

|votes = 38,338

|percentage = 59.57

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = India Walton

|votes = 25,773

|percentage = 39.88

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent politician

|candidate = Ben Carlisle (write-in)

|votes = 219

|percentage = 0.34

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Jaz Miles (write-in)

|votes = 23

|percentage = 0.04

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = William O'Dell (write-in)

|votes = 8

|percentage = 0.01

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 64,361

|percentage = 100%

}}

{{Election box gain with party link no swing

| winner = Independent politician

| loser = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Reflist|2}}

• [http://www.city-buffalo.com/Home/Leadership/Mayor Buffalo Mayor Website]
• {{C-SPAN|5918}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-par|us-ny-sen}}

{{s-bef|before=Al Coppola}}

{{s-ttl|title=Member from the 57th district|years=2001–2003}}

{{s-aft|after=Patricia McGee}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Mary Lou Rath}}

{{s-ttl|title=Member from the 60th district|years=2003–2005}}

{{s-aft|after=Marc Coppola}}

|-

{{s-off}}

{{s-bef|before=Anthony Masiello}}

{{s-ttl|title=Mayor of Buffalo|years=2006–2024}}

{{s-aft|after=Christopher Scanlon}}

|-

{{s-ppo}}

{{s-bef|before=Sheila Comar}}

{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the New York Democratic Party|years=2016–2019}}

{{s-aft|after=Jay Jacobs}}

{{s-end}}

{{Democratic State Chairs}}

{{BuffaloMayors}}

{{City of Buffalo, New York}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Brown, Byron}}

Category:1958 births

Category:African-American mayors in New York (state)

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