The Syracuse University College Democrats endorsed Democratic candidate Juanita Perez Williams for Syracuse mayor last week.

Sarah Epelman, president of the College Democrats, said the organization agrees with many of Perez Williams’ plans concerning economic development, crime, Interstate 81 and sanctuary cities. Perez Williams spoke with SU College Democrats before the organization made the endorsement, Epelman said.

She added that the College Democrats also endorsed Perez Williams because the group believes she will bring change to the city.

“She’s new and vibrant,” Epelman said.

The endorsement comes ahead of the Sept. 12 Democratic primary, when candidates Perez Williams, Joe Nicoletti and Marty Masterpole will face off to secure the party’s nomination.

The winner of the primary will run against Republican and Independence Party candidate Laura Lavine, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and Upstate Jobs Party candidate Ben Walsh in the November general election.

The College Democrats’ announcement marks the organization’s first pre-primary endorsement of a Syracuse mayoral candidate.

Epelman said the College Democrats have been inactive in recent years, but the organization was reinvigorated in part due to the election of President Donald Trump.

The organization has since been involved in local politics, she said.

“With this endorsement, it’s sending the message that local politics are very important, especially in this community,” Epelman added.

Epelman said the decision to endorse Perez Williams was difficult because the organization includes different kinds of liberals and Democrats.

“It’s just showing who we support and who we want to thrive in the race,” Epelman added about the endorsement. “We’ll be happy with (whichever) Democratic candidate wins.”

The College Republicans at SU did not respond to a request for comment on whether they planned to endorse a mayoral candidate.

Published on September 4, 2017 at 8:00 pm

Contact Jordan: jmulle01@syr.edu | @jordanmuller18