Elaine Denton defeated Mark A. Olsen for the 10th district County Legislator seat. Syracuse NY, November 4 2025. Credit: Maddi Jane Brown | Central Current

Democrat Elaine Denton beat Republican incumbent Mark Olson and won 55% of the votes in a contested race for the Onondaga County Legislature’s 10th District seat. 

Denton is a former councilor for the Manlius Town Board, and a freelance graphic designer. She received an endorsement from the Onondaga County Democratic Committee, Manlius Democrats, the New York Working Families Party, and issue-focused organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety, Eleanor’s Legacy and Run for Something.

Denton has said she wants to prioritize the use of the county’s fund balance, helping cover the needs of county residents. 

“Needs are increasing in our community,” she said. “Residents are surviving, but they are not thriving. We want to change that.”

Denton told a crowd at the Onondaga County Democratic Committee party at Harvey’s Garden she wants to work for the residents who want checks and balances to the power of the Onondaga County Legislature.

“With all of us working together, we can create a county that listens, acts, and prioritizes the needs of its people,” Denton said. 

Olson has served as a legislator since 2022. He chaired the legislature’s Public Safety Committee.

A Fayetteville native, Olson had been the mayor of the Village of Fayetteville for 2 years and had served on the Fayetteville Fire Department since he was 14 years old. 

Originally from Herkimer County, Denton moved to Manlius 15 years ago.  

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Haley Moreland was a student at Syracuse University and an intern reporter with Central Current in spring 2026.