Former judge James McLeod announces mayoral bid

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — James McLeod, a former City Court judge, officially announced his bid for Buffalo mayor on Saturday, making him the fourth candidate in the running.

McLeod, a Utica native, served as a Buffalo City Court judge from 2009 to 2019 and has also held positions as an acting judge in Erie County Court and Erie County Family Court.

In his announcement, McLeod named economic growth, playing an active role in the city’s educational system, and reducing and eliminating “red tape” for Buffalo businesses as parts of his platform for mayor.

He said Buffalo is in a financial calamity and is becoming two cities — having his own goal to bridge that gap.

“Every part of the city was a good place to live,” McLeod said. “Unfortunately, with the passage of time and as a result of fiscal mismanagement — and with too many in City Hall having their attentions directed to the big donors — the average Buffalo family began to be neglected and it has resulted in Buffalo becoming two cities, with the dividing line being Main Street.”

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McLeod said his priority for the city’s education system is to increase retention and graduation rates.

In an interview with WIVB News 4 in December, McLeod listed the city’s youth as one of his main areas of focus when it comes to improving the city. He created the first “young adult” court in Western New York for youth ages 16 through 18 to try and decrease recidivism.

“If we’re going to be a great city again, we have to work with our young people because they are indeed our future,” he said. “We have to find out the root cause of the problems and to keep them there and I believe I have the ability, I have the history, I have the know how to try to do that.”

According to his alma mater’s website, McLeod was the second African American in Buffalo to be hired as an associate with a major law firm. He has also served on the YMCA Board of Directors and as legal counsel to the Buffalo Urban League, among other positions.

The list of candidates for the primary that will take place in late June now includes McLeod, State Senator Sean Ryan, Former City of Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield and Buffalo Common Councilmember Rasheed Wyatt. The general election will be held on Nov. 4.

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Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here.

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