ITHACA, N.Y. – Election Day is still eight months away, but local campaigning is officially underway. Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick announced via social media on Wednesday that he will run for re-election in 2019.
Myrick had previously hinted at a 2019 run, asking his social media followers on Valentine’s Day whether he’d have their support for another term. The post listed accomplishments from his first two terms in office including building the waterfront trail, rebuilding the Commons, rebuilding the water treatment plant and investing in affordable housing.
While the unscientific query was met with an outpouring of both praise and criticism, Myrick decided to re-enter the fray. Wednesday, he announced simply, “I’m running.”
He added in a comment, “I love this city and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made. I believe we can do even better, and continue to be a progressive community that is welcoming and inclusive. I hope you’ll join our campaign.”
Related: Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick asks ‘Would I have your support’ for another term
Myrick, 31, was first elected to Common Council at the age of 20 and was sworn in as Ithaca’s youngest mayor and first mayor of color in 2012. A Cornell alum originally from Earlville, N.Y., he beat out three challengers in the 2011 election and ran unopposed in 2015. He is the first to announce a mayoral bid in 2019.
Myrick will not be the only City of Ithaca representative on the campaign trail this year. In addition to mayor, five Common Council seats will be on the ballot in November. George McGonigal (1st Ward), Ducson Nguyen (2nd Ward), Rob Gearhart (3rd Ward), Stephen Smith (4th Ward) and Laura Lewis (5th Ward) are all up for re-election.
Primaries for local offices will take place on June 25. The primary date is months earlier this year than in past cycles, due to a change to New York’s election laws that consolidates state and federal primaries. As a result, those planning to run for office as a member of a party need to submit signed designating petitions by April 4 to get on the ballot.
A full calendar of deadlines for potential candidates and voters is available from the Tompkins County Board of Elections.
Featured image: Ithaca Voice file photo.