Democrats seize Onondaga County Legislature for first time in 50 years

A half-century of Republican control ends as Democrats take charge. Could term limits and fresh voices reshape local politics forever?

, and Administrator

2025 November 8 . 1:10 AM

1 min read

There are group of people holding placards and walking. These are the trees. I can see small... — There are group of people holding placards and walking. These are the trees. I can see small bushes. This is the banner. I can see a building with name boards attached to it. These look like cars. I think these are the current polls.

Democrats seize Onondaga County Legislature for first time in 50 years

Democrats have secured a 10-7 majority in the Onondaga County Legislature following a significant election victory. This marks the first time in 50 years that the Democratic Party controls the legislature. Meanwhile, voters have approved a term limit measure for county legislators.

The election saw the Democratic Party flip at least five seats, with the party sweeping nearly every contested race. This shift in power comes after Onondaga County legislators voted to put a term limit question on the ballot.

The term limit measure, which passed with a resounding 71% of the vote, limits legislators to 12 years in office. It also increases legislative terms from two to four years, but limits service to three consecutive terms. Previously, there were no limits on how long county lawmakers could serve.

GroupMe, a nonpartisan group advocating for term limits, has welcomed the change. The group aims to bring fresh voices and more accountability to local government. Term limits are one of GroupMe's Five Pillars of Reform, along with ranked choice voting, citizen ballot initiatives, open primaries, and better ballot access. However, the name of the nonpartisan group's founder and board member remains publicly unavailable.

With the Democratic Party now in control of the Onondaga County Legislature and term limits approved by voters, the county's political landscape has shifted. These changes aim to foster fresh perspectives and increased accountability in local governance.