Albany’s mayoral race is intensifying as six candidates officially declare their bids for the city’s top office. With the primaries just months away and the general election set for November 4, the competition is expected to be fierce.

With Mayor Kathy Sheehan opting not to seek a fourth term, the field is wide open. Among the declared candidates are Albany County Legislator Carolyn McLaughlin and Common Council President Corey Ellis, both of whom have run for mayor before. This marks McLaughlin’s second campaign for the position and Ellis’ third.

During a recent New York Working Families Party forum, three of the six declared candidates—McLaughlin, Ellis, and Albany Chief City Auditor Dr. Dorcey Applyrs—outlined their visions for the city. Topics discussed included public safety, economic development, and inclusivity.

“I’m in neighborhoods all the time, I’m at association meetings—that won’t stop,” said Ellis. “But there will always be a way that we can connect the city to its residents. When you start doing those things, people participate.”

McLaughlin emphasized the need for improved local services, saying, “We got to give [residents] those services to make sure they are available here so that they can be entertained here so that they can dine out here so that they can get those things they need as simple as groceries.”

Applyrs, who also participated in the forum, expressed the need for change in Albany. “People in Albany are concerned, upset, and are looking for change. Economic development means living in safe and healthy neighborhoods, in addition to investing in our youth and making Albany fun again.”

Independent candidate Michael Crook, who was not at the forum, spoke about his priorities separately. “One thing that I will definitely look at is the BID on the business district—making it more attractive to tourists and better for our residents. And then I definitely want to look over all aspects of our city, including safety and our police department.”

The six candidates who have officially declared their candidacy are:

• Dorcey Applyrs (Democrat), Chief City Auditor
• Carolyn McLaughlin (Democrat), Albany County Legislator
• Corey Ellis (Democrat), Common Council President
• Dan Cerutti (Democrat), a first-time candidate
• Marlon Anderson (Democrat), community advocate
• Michael Crook (Independent), freelance writer

While three candidates attended the forum, Dan Cerutti declined to participate, citing differences in policy priorities with the Working Families Party. Marlon Anderson also did not attend.

The New York Working Families Party is expected to announce its endorsement by the end of the month.

As the June primary and November general election approach, Albany voters can stay informed on the latest campaign updates by tuning in online, on-air, and through the News Channel 13 mobile app.