The Ithacan’s 2025 Local Politics Guide for City of Ithaca and Tompkins County

October 22, 2025

Ahead of the Nov. 4 general election, learn more about candidates for the City of Ithaca's Common Council and the Tompkins County Legislature

Successful write-in campaign stirs conversation about Ithaca’s political climate

By Lorien Tyne, Editor-in-Chief • December 1, 2023

While some express frustration with Fourth Ward Alderperson-elect Patrick Kuehl's write-in campaign for Common Council, others raise concerns with the priorities and tactics of the Solidarity Slate and local Working Families Party club, including incumbent Fourth Ward Alderperson Jorge Defendini's sudden attempt to unseat WFP leadership.

Cornell will contribute $4 million to Ithaca annually until 2039

By Lorien Tyne, Editor-in-Chief • October 25, 2023

The Ithaca Common Council voted to accept the Memorandum of Understanding proposal Oct. 11 in a 9–1 vote and Cornell’s Board of Trustees voted to pass the MOU on Oct. 13.

Common Council updates on homeless encampments, council changes and November ballot

By John Baker, Contributing Writer • October 4, 2023

The city of Ithaca has been revising policies to help manage homeless encampments, and continuing its search to find the first candidate to fill the city manager position. The council also approved raising the salary of its alderpeople.

Ithaca declared sanctuary for transgender healthcare

By Jaquelyn Reaves, Contributing Writer • September 20, 2023

The city of Ithaca's Common Council passed new gender-affirming laws Sept. 6 to strengthen the Trans Safe Haven Resolution, officially declaring Ithaca as a sanctuary for transgender healthcare. 

More candidates for Common Council elections come forward

By Lorien Tyne, Editor-in-Chief • February 21, 2023

More candidates for the City of Ithaca’s Common Council have announced their campaigns for the November 2023 general election.

Local officials begin election campaigns for Common Council

By Lorien Tyne, Editor-in-Chief • February 1, 2023

Robert Cantelmo, current 5th Ward Alderperson, announced his campaign for the 2023 Ithaca mayoral race. As of Feb. 1, no other candidates for mayor have come forward.

City of Ithaca protects abortion access with sanctuary law

By Lorien Tyne, Editor-in-Chief • September 7, 2022

Ithaca became a sanctuary city for abortions July 6 after the Common Council voted unanimously to make the ordinance brought forth by Alderperson Robert Cantelmo into city law. 

Acting mayor intends to continue community initiatives

By Lorien Tyne and Olivia Stanzl • February 23, 2022

Local government officials in the City of Ithaca are confident that the community initiatives started by former mayor Svante Myrick will continue.

Tompkins County Board of Elections releases race results

By Caitlin Holtzman, Editor in Chief • November 3, 2021

Election Day was Nov. 2 and voting occurred across the United States in the first general election since the 2020 Presidential Election.