Christopher Scanlon
Christopher P. Scanlon (born August 6, 1981) is an American politician who served as acting mayor of Buffalo, New York from 2024 to 2025. He became Buffalo's 63rd mayor upon the resignation of Byron Brown on October 15, 2024. He was previously a member of the Buffalo Common Council, representing the South District from May 2012 to October 2024. Scanlon ran in the 2025 Buffalo mayoral election and lost the Democratic primary, and served the remainder of Brown's term before returning to his vacant common council seat and the council presidency.
Christopher Scanlon | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| 63rd Mayor of Buffalo | |
Acting | |
| In office October 15, 2024 – December 31, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Byron Brown |
| Succeeded by | Sean Ryan |
| President of the Buffalo Common Council | |
| In office October 15, 2024 – January 2, 2026 | |
| Preceded by | Darius Pridgen |
| Succeeded by | Joel Feroleto |
| President pro tempore of the Buffalo Common Council | |
| In office January 2, 2019 – January 2, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | David A. Rivera |
| Succeeded by | Bryan J. Bollman |
| Member of the Buffalo Common Council from the South district | |
| Assumed office May 16, 2012 | |
| Preceded by | Michael P. Kearns |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 6, 1981 |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Katie Wopperer |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Erie Community College (AS) Buffalo State University (BS) |
Christopher P. Scanlon (born August 6, 1981) is an American politician who served as acting mayor of Buffalo, New York from 2024 to 2025. He became Buffalo's 63rd mayor upon the resignation of Byron Brown on October 15, 2024.
He was previously a member of the Buffalo Common Council, representing the South District from May 2012 to October 2024.
Scanlon ran in the 2025 Buffalo mayoral election and lost the Democratic primary, and served the remainder of Brown's term before returning to his vacant common council seat and the council presidency.
Early life and education
[edit]Christopher Scanlon was born to father John P. "Scanoots" Scanlon (1938–2022) and mother Paula Scanlon (née Kuntz).[1]
His father was vice chairman of the Erie County Democratic Committee and aide to both Mayor James D. Griffin and Mayor Anthony Masiello.[2] John P. Scanlon was never paid directly for his political work, but collected multiple salaries for local government jobs.[2][3]
His family is of Irish descent, and he was raised in South Buffalo.[4] Scanlon attended grade school at the local St. Thomas Aquinas Church.[5] His six siblings also attended private school.[2]
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.[6][7]
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.[8] His appointment was attributed to patronage due to his father's political connections, as he lacked a four-year college degree and relevant experience.[3][9] Scanlon had to that point worked as a manager for UPS and a local restaurant chain.[10] The appointment was confirmed with a 5–3 vote by the council.[8] Scanlon was later criticized for failing to disclose a 2007 conviction for driving while ability-impaired prior to the appointment.[11]
He won a September 2012 Democratic primary, defeating A. J. Verel, Kevin Lafferty and Patrick B. Burke.[12] Endorsements were received from politicians including Brian Higgins, Carl Paladino, Mark J. F. Schroeder and Michael P. Kearns.[13] In a November 2012 special election, Scanlon defeated A. J. Verel to retain the South District seat.[14] He was later re-elected in 2015 and 2019 after winning uncontested elections.[15]
As a council member, Scanlon often voted in favor of the policies of Mayor Byron Brown.[16] His top donors included prominent conservatives, such as real estate mogul Carl Paladino.[17] 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.[18]
After his re-election following another uncontested race in 2023, Scanlon was elected President of the Buffalo Common Council in January 2024 with a 8–1 council vote.[16]
Upon the resignation of Byron Brown, Scanlon succeeded him to become acting Mayor of Buffalo in October 2024.[19] After his unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination for mayor, Scanlon dropped out of the 2025 Buffalo mayoral election.[20] Scanlon also announced he would serve the remainder of Brown's term and then return to serving as Buffalo Common Council president.[21][22][23]
Personal life
[edit]When you grow up in a household involved in all those previous campaigns, if nothing else, you learn by osmosis.[18]
He is married to his wife Katie Scanlon (née Wopperer) and they have three children.[6] Katie works as Bingo Inspector for the City of Buffalo.[24][25] Scanlon is Catholic.[5]
Five of his six siblings work for the City of Buffalo.[24] His brothers Brian and Patrick work for the Buffalo Fire Department, and his brothers Michael and John work for the Department of Public Works. Brian is also a restaurateur, owning Forty Thieves Kitchen & Bar in downtown Buffalo.[26] Scanlon's sister Kara works for the Buffalo Police Department.[24] Lastly, his brother Mark worked as a sergeant for the Erie County Sheriff's Office before dying in a November 2024 hunting accident.[27]
References
[edit]- ^ McCarthy, Robert J. (May 4, 2022). "John P. 'Scanoots' Scanlon, 83, top Griffin aide and friend". Buffalo News. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ a b c Herbeck, Dan (April 5, 1998). "POLITICAL INSIDER WITH DAY, NIGHT JOBS OPENING SOME EYES". Buffalo News. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
- ^ a b Heaney, Jim (May 31, 2012). "The rap (sheet) on the Common Council". Investigative Post. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
- ^ Kenney, JoDee (March 12, 2023). "Exploring the history of the Irish in Buffalo". spectrumlocalnews.com. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ a b Leitner, Mark (May 16, 2012). "Scanlon named to Common Council". WBFO. 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.
- ^ Scanlon, Christopher (August 8, 2012). "About Chris". Christopher P. Scanlon. Archived from the original on August 8, 2012. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
- ^ Besecker, Aaron (May 25, 2012). "Scanlon's past includes conviction for driving while ability impaired". Buffalo News. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
- ^ Terreri, Jill (September 14, 2012). "Scanlon wins primary in city's South District". Buffalo News. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
- ^ Terreri, Jill (September 14, 2012). "Scanlon wins Democratic line in South Council race". Buffalo News. Retrieved October 24, 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.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ Buckley, Eileen (2025-06-25). "'I apologize that we were not successful': Chris Scanlon defeated in Buffalo mayoral primary". WKBW 7 News Buffalo. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Zunner, Ryan (June 27, 2025). "Acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon removes himself from November ballot, ending campaign". Buffalo Toronto Public Media. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
- ^ a b c Kelly, Geoff (June 11, 2024). "Buffalo lawmakers' side gigs". Investigative Post. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ "Staff Directory • Katie Scanlon". Buffalo, NY. Retrieved October 16, 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.
- ^ Veronica, Nick (November 7, 2024). "Buffalo mayor's brother dies in hunting accident". News 4 Buffalo. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
External links
[edit]