In Buffalo with India Walton: An Insurgent Candidate Runs for Mayor

Support the show by becoming a member as a monthly supporter for $3 $5 or more at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow  We do not accept corporate or government funding.  We rely on you!  Full Episode Notes are posted at Patreon.com/theLFShow for members and non-members.Eyes across the nation are on the mayoral election in Buffalo, New York, where insurgent candidate India Walton could become the first Black woman—and first Democratic Socialist—to lead the city. Laura Flanders first interviewed Walton in 2019 as part of a profile of community organizations in that city. Two years later in June 2021, Walton shocked the Democratic establishment when she won Buffalo’s Democratic primary. Supporters say her win speaks to the strength of grassroots organizing around the city’s plans for its economic future  and signals a shift in power at the local level. But Buffalo’s four-term incumbent Byron Brown, also a Democrat, challenged Walton’s primary victory, and ran as a write-in candidate. Will the election prove to be a referendum on centrist versus progressive Democrats? And what has it been like to be Walton, in this campaign? Flanders returned to Buffalo for an interview with Walton just as the first time candidate was receiving support from Rep Ocasio Cortez and Senators Schumer and Gillebrand but the state party chairman had just compared her to David Duke and Democratic Governor Hochul had refused to take a position. What is the significance of this election?Guests:India Walton, Mayoral Candidate, Democrat, Buffalo, NYJesse Myerson, Communications Director, India Walton CampaignDrisana Hughes, Campaign Manager, India Walton CampaignChristopher P. Scanlon, South District Council Member, Buffalo, New YorkLouisa Pocheco, Chair of Western New York Chapter, Working Families PartyDivya Sundaram, New York Working Families PartyJay Jacobs, New York State Democratic Committee Chair Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel