Christopher Scanlon
Christopher Scanlon | |
|---|---|
| 63rd Mayor of Buffalo | |
| Assumed office October 15, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Byron Brown |
| President of the Buffalo Common Council | |
| In office January 2, 2024 – October 15, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Darius Pridgen |
| Succeeded by | Bryan Bollman |
| Member of the Buffalo Common Council from the South District | |
| In office May 16, 2012 – October 15, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Michael P. Kearns |
| Succeeded by | TBA |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Christopher P. Scanlon August 6, 1981 Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Katie Wopperer |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Buffalo State University (BS) Erie Community College (AAS) |
| Website | Official website |
Christopher P. Scanlon (born August 6, 1981) is an American politician who is the current acting mayor of Buffalo, New York. He is Buffalo's 63rd mayor and has served since October 2024, assuming the office following the resignation of Byron Brown.
His political ascension has been credited to patronage and his family's ties to the Democratic Party, as he has only won a single contested election in his career.
Early life and education
[edit]Christopher Scanlon is the son of John P. Scanlon (1938–2022), the former aide to both Mayor James D. Griffin and Mayor Anthony Masiello, and Paula Scanlon (née Kuntz).[1][2]
His family is of Irish descent, and he was raised in South Buffalo.[3] Scanlon and his family are Roman Catholic, and he attended grade school at the local St. Thomas Aquinas Church.[4]
He is a graduate of Bishop Timon – St. Jude High School, and holds both an associate's degree in business administration from Erie Community College and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Buffalo State University.[5][6]
Political career
[edit]Scanlon was appointed to the Buffalo Common Council in May 2012, filling the South District seat vacated by Michael P. Kearns who had left to join the New York State Assembly.[7] His appointment was criticized as a patronage hire, citing Scanlon's lack of experience and qualifications.[8][9]
In a November 2012 special election, Scanlon defeated four other candidates to retain the South District seat.[10] He was later re-elected after running unopposed in 2015 and 2019.[11]
As a council member, Scanlon was a staunch supporter of Mayor Byron Brown's conservative policies that favored business owners and the Buffalo Police Department.[12] His top donors included prominent conservatives, such as real estate mogul Carl Paladino.[13] Scanlon is credited with spearheading the write-in campaign that led to Byron Brown defeating progressive challenger India Walton in the 2021 Buffalo mayoral election.[14]
After again winning re-election unopposed in 2023, Scanlon was elected President of the Buffalo Common Council in January 2024 by his fellow council members.[12]
Upon the resignation of Byron Brown, Scanlon became acting Mayor of Buffalo on October 15, 2024.[15] He will serve the remainder of Brown's term, with numerous individuals planning on challenging him in the 2025 Buffalo mayoral election.[16][17]
Personal life
[edit]Five of his six siblings work for the City of Buffalo.[18] His brothers Brian and Patrick work for the Buffalo Fire Department, his brothers Michael and John work for the Department of Public Works, and his sister Kara works for the Buffalo Police Department.[18] Brian is also a restaurateur, owning Forty Thieves Kitchen & Bar in downtown Buffalo.[19]
He is married to his wife Katie Scanlon (née Wopperer) and they have three children.[5] Katie works as Bingo Inspector for the City of Buffalo.[18][20]
References
[edit]- ^ McCarthy, Robert J. (May 4, 2022). "John P. 'Scanoots' Scanlon, 83, top Griffin aide and friend". Buffalo News. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ Herbeck, Dan (April 5, 1998). "POLITICAL INSIDER WITH DAY, NIGHT JOBS OPENING SOME EYES". Buffalo News. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
- ^ Kenney, JoDee (March 12, 2023). "Exploring the history of the Irish in Buffalo". spectrumlocalnews.com. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ Nice, Ed (October 1, 2024). "Christopher Scanlon To Become Acting-Mayor of Buffalo, New York". Power 93.7 WBLK. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ a b "Five questions with Chris Scanlon". Buffalo News. July 1, 2012. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ "Christopher P. Scanlon". Buffalo, NY. January 2, 2024. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ Leitner, Mark (May 16, 2012). "Scanlon named to Common Council". WBFO. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ Heaney, Jim (May 31, 2012). "The rap (sheet) on the Common Council". Investigative Post. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ Kelly, Geoff (May 17, 2012). "The Sins of the Father". artvoice.com. Archived from the original on September 19, 2017. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ Kelly, Geoff (March 23, 2023). "Not much change afoot for Common Council". Investigative Post. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ "Christopher P. Scanlon". Ballotpedia. November 7, 2023. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ a b Ashley, Grant; Kirkpatrick, Holly (January 2, 2024). "Christopher Scanlon elected as next Buffalo Common Council president". WBFO. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ "With All Due Respect: Scanlon, Ellicott Development, and a Charter School". The Public. June 12, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
- ^ McCarthy, Robert J. (November 14, 2021). "Analysis: And in this corner, Chris Scanlon". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ Mirand, Kristen (October 15, 2024). "Who is Chris Scanlon? Buffalo's Common Council President will become the city's acting mayor". WKBW 7 News Buffalo. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ Rose, Susan (September 9, 2024). "No shortage of interest in becoming Buffalo's next mayor". audacy.com. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
- ^ Williams, Deidre (September 14, 2024). "City Hall insiders considering running for mayor". Buffalo News. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
- ^ a b c Kelly, Geoff (June 11, 2024). "Buffalo lawmakers' side gigs". Investigative Post. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ Schwartz, Michael (May 7, 2024). "Two Buffalo restaurants 'closed until further notice' after sudden death of co-owner". WKBW 7 News Buffalo. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ "Staff Directory • Katie Scanlon". Buffalo, NY. Retrieved October 16, 2024.