Onondaga County Legislature

The first Democratic chair of the Onondaga County Legislature in nearly 50 years discussed her plans with WAER for when she takes the gavel.

Democrats won all six contested seats Tuesday, giving them control by a 10-7 majority.

There are 17 parties scattered on Onondaga County ballots, and most are specific to a community.

Democrat Elaine Denton has been a regular speaker at the legislature's sessions. She's hoping to unseat Republican Mark Olson.

None of the candidates is running on the Democratic line due to a court ruling. But two of the candidates are Democrats running on other party lines.

Incumbent appointee Shawn Fiato is seeking election to the 8th district seat while challenger Chad Ryan tries to win it back.

Eriksen, a Democrat, is hoping to unseat the three-term Republican incumbent.

One of them will succeed Republican Deb Cody, who was first appointed in 2017.

Democrat Jeremiah Thompson hopes to unseat two-term incumbent Colleen Gunnip.

The 12 to 4 vote was along party lines, with Republicans in the majority. The budget takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.