SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) -- Sharon Owens has declared victory in the race for Mayor of Syracuse.

Owens has a commanding lead with 74% of the counted votes.

If the results hold, Owens will serve as the city's 55th mayor.

Owens will be the first-ever Black mayor of Syracuse and the second woman to hold the seat.

Sharon Owens, the Democrat, ran against Republican Tom Babilon and independent candidates Alfonso Davis and Tim Rudd.

Owens has served as Deputy Mayor of Syracuse under both terms of Mayor Ben Walsh.

Owens was born and raised down the Thruway in Geneva and moved to Syracuse as an SU student in 1981. Her non-profit career includes time at PEACE, Inc., Jubilee Homes, Home Headquarters and Syracuse Community Connections at the Southwest Community Center.

Owens also worked for May

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