Binghamton's mayoral election challenges progressive ideologies in a vital swing constituency

In the upcoming election in November, Binghamton, New York, will see a contest between two candidates vying for the mayoral seat: incumbent Jared Kraham, a Republican, and challenger Miles Burnett, a progressive Democrat backed by the Working Families Party.

According to local political analyst Jared Kraham, voters in Binghamton prioritise the candidate over their party. This dynamic is expected to play a significant role in the election, as both candidates present distinct visions for the city's future, particularly in addressing its housing issues.

Kraham, who has served as deputy mayor for over seven years and became mayor in 2021, has not pushed through any legislation to further protect immigrants living in the city. He has also criticised the behaviour of the federal immigration agency, ICE, but has not pushed back on Broome County Sheriff Fred Ashkar, whose office has a 287(g) agreement with ICE.

Miles Burnett, on the other hand, argues that Kraham has not done enough to protect immigrants. He is also supported by the Conservative Party in the mayoral election. Burnett, who is a state Senate staffer, has a focus on restarting an initiative to track vacant properties in the city.

Tension between Kraham and the Common Council has been evident, particularly over the scale and methods to address housing issues. The council overrode Kraham's veto of "good cause" eviction protections earlier this year, and recently pushed back against Kraham's funding plans for the fire department, suggesting the money should be spent on affordable housing instead.

Nearly 33% of city residents live below the poverty line, and 47% of metro area residents are rent-burdened. These issues have been at the forefront of both candidates' campaigns, with Kraham proposing incentives for housing construction and adjustments to the zoning code, while Burnett emphasises the need for more direct action, such as tracking vacant properties.

The success of Kraham or Burnett in Binghamton could provide clarity for Democratic Rep. Josh Riley and his opponent in the 19th Congressional District. The Binghamton mayoral race could be a sign of the political dynamics in next year's midterm elections, with the city having not had a Democrat running City Hall since 2013.

Miles Burnett, hoping to mobilise voters who typically don't vote in local elections, aims to bring a fresh perspective to Binghamton's politics. The election in November promises to be a closely watched contest, with the outcome likely to have implications beyond the city limits.