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.
Read more of Central Current’s coverage
After ‘horseplay’-less budget cycle, Onondaga County Legislature approves 2027 budget and $25 million housing program
County Executive Ryan McMahon had told legislators he would fund their priority project if there was no “horseplay” in the budget cycle. Everybody played along.
Video: The Laurie Woolever interview
Bestselling author Laurie Woolever is interviewed about her experiences covering the restaurant industry and working with Anthony Bourdain.
2026 Election Q&A: New York State Assembly 129th District candidate Maurice ‘Mo’ Brown
Brown, a Democrat, faces Republican Shawn Fiato in the race for the seat. The Democrat challenger took down longtime incumbent Bill Magnarelli in the Democratic primary in June.
Sean Kirst: Jim Gifford’s life equaled faith in Elmwood. Saturday’s cleanup, in his memory, nurtures that spark.
An annual gathering in honor of a guy, lost to violence, whose everyday world represented full neighborhood commitment.
Syracuse’s Flock readers may have been removed, but the readers still flourish in Central New York
Syracuse University and Baldwinsville schools avowed Flock’s merits while Congress heard testimony decrying license plate reader companies.
