Sean Ryan (American politician)

Early life and education

Sean Ryan was born to James W. Ryan (1937–2013) and Patricia Ryan (née McQuillen, 1939–2015).

His father was a firefighter, and his mother was an educator and member of the Erie County Democratic Committee.

Ryan is a graduate of the State University of New York at Fredonia and Brooklyn Law School.

Career

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

New York State Assembly

On September 13, 2011, Ryan was elected during a special election to represent District 144 in the New York State Assembly. He is a Democrat. He succeeded 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, Ryan was elected to represent New York's 149th Assembly district. He was supported by the 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.

New York State Senate

In 2020, Ryan was elected to represent New York's 60th State Senate district. Due to redistricting following the 2020 U.S. census, Ryan was elected to represent New York's 61st State Senate district in the 2022 election. As a member of the State Senate, Ryan championed legislation to prohibit non-compete clauses; the bill passed both houses of the state legislature in 2023. Ryan is known as a progressive Democrat.

Mayor of Buffalo

Main article: 2025 Buffalo mayoral election

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 was elected mayor of Buffalo after defeating two other candidates, Republican James Gardner and independent Michael Gainer.

Ryan was sworn in as mayor of Buffalo on January 1, 2026.

Personal life

Ryan is married to Catherine Creighton, an attorney who was appointed to the post of director of the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority by governor Andrew Cuomo in 2012. Creighton has also been director of Cornell University's ILR Buffalo Co-Lab since 2020. Ryan and Creighton have two daughters, Kate and Bridget. Kate Ryan is senior operations manager of the Major League Baseball Players Association.

Electoral history

References

References

1. (April 24, 2013). "James Ryan Obituary (2013)".
2. (August 20, 2015). "Patricia McQuillen, retired Lackawanna educator".
3. Parsnow, Luke. (November 5, 2025). "State Sen. Sean Ryan elected next mayor of Buffalo".
4. [http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Sean-Ryan/bio/ Biography - Sean Ryan] {{Webarchive. link. (October 23, 2013 (New York State Assembly))
5. "Member of Assembly • State Assembly District 144 • Special Election".
6. (January 13, 2012). "Ryan officially introduced as member of Assembly".
7. McCarthy, Robert J.. (September 14, 2011). "Ryan captures seat in Assembly as 4 keep Council posts; Collins, Jacobs gain Independence backing".
8. (February 20, 2013). "Kerry Van Cott, headed Buffalo real estate company".
9. "Member of Assembly • State Assembly District 149".
10. (19 September 2012). "NYS Assembly Member Sean Ryan Wins Big in Primary".
11. "State Senator • State Senate District 61".
12. Reisman, Nick. (2023-06-20). "Ending non-compete clauses in New York heading to Hochul's desk".
13. (November 6, 2025). "It’s Not Just Mamdani: Democrats, Progressives Rack Up Victories…".
14. Sondel, Justin. (November 23, 2024). "Sean Ryan enters Buffalo mayor's race setting up what promises to be a crowded primary".
15. (February 22, 2025). "Sean Ryan endorsed by Erie County Democratic Committee for Buffalo mayor". WIBV News.
16. (2025-06-24). "Buffalo Mayoral Primary Election Results".
17. (November 4, 2025). "New York State Senator Sean Ryan wins the race for Buffalo mayor". WKBW.
18. (January 1, 2026). "New Year, New Mayor: Sean Ryan takes oath of office".
19. (March 29, 2024). "About Us".
20. (December 17, 2020). "Cathy Creighton ’87 Named Director of Buffalo Co-Lab".
21. "Cathy Creighton".
22. "MLBPI Staff".
23. "2025 New York mayoral election results".
24. "2024 Election Results". New York State Board of Elections.
25. "Sean Ryan".