In September 2011, he won a contested primary election for the Democratic Party mayoral nomination, and on November 8,2011 won the general election with 54.9% of the vote, defeating three other candidates (two independents and one Republican).
In September 2011, he won a contested primary election for the Democratic Party nomination for Mayor of the City of Ithaca. On November 8,2011 he won the general election with 54.9% of the vote, defeating three other candidates (two independents and one Republican).