Election 2025: Dorcey Applyrs Makes History As Albany’s First Black Mayor

By Michael Mashburn From Daily Voice

Democrat Dorcey Applyrs made history Tuesday night, becoming the first Black candidate ever elected mayor of Albany.

Applyrs, the city’s chief auditor, defeated Republican Rocco Pezzulo in a landslide, capturing 86% of the vote to Pezzulo’s 14%, with all precincts reporting as of 11:20 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, according to unofficial results.

Her victory ushers in a new era for New York’s capital city, ending 12 years under outgoing Democratic Mayor Kathy Sheehan. Applyrs will take office in January for a four-year term.

In an emotional victory speech, Applyrs reflected on the historic nature of her win and those who helped her reach this point.

“This is our moment. We’ve earned this moment and it is such an amazing moment,” she told supporters. “Standing on this stage is a culmination of a dream — a dream whose seeds were planted so many years ago by people who believed in me.”

Applyrs added that she feels a responsibility to ensure future generations of Albany residents see themselves reflected in city leadership.

“I’m here because others believed, pushed, and kept going, even when it was extremely hard,” she said. “It’s now my turn to make sure every young person in the city knows they have a seat at the table. This city is for you too.”

Applyrs launched her mayoral bid in November 2023 and went on to win a crowded Democratic primary in June 2025 over Dan Cerutti, Corey Ellis, and Carolyn McLaughlin before cruising to victory in the general election.

Throughout her campaign, she focused on improving quality of life, addressing public safety, and investing in what she calls Albany’s “forgotten neighborhoods.” She has also highlighted the importance of selecting the city’s next police chief as a defining decision for her administration.

Pezzulo, a mental health consultant, had hoped to become the first Republican elected mayor of Albany in a century. His campaign centered on removing speed cameras outside school zones, increasing police funding, and promoting small business growth.

He conceded the race shortly before 10 p.m., though said he did not plan to give an election night speech.

Applyrs will oversee an operating budget of roughly $277 million and lead a city of more than 101,000 residents, tackling ongoing challenges related to housing, safety, and economic development.

Official results will be certified by the Albany County Board of Elections in the coming days.