UTICA — With six months left until the primary election, the Utica mayoral race has found a third contender as Councilor at Large Frank DiBrango announced his candidacy. He will be seeking the Democratic and Conservative nominations.

DiBrango made the official announcement at the DoubleTree by Hilton Utica in downtown Utica, where he was introduced and endorsed by Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-119, Marcy. In attendance of DiBrango's announcement was his family and supporters of his campaign.

DiBrango now joins Robert Cardillo and his colleague Third District Councilor Celeste Friend in the race to become mayor of Utica.

"During my six years on the council, I have had to make many decisions that affect employees, business owners and residents of this city. I am proud of the direction this city is headed, both economically and financially," DiBrango said.

A lifelong Utican, DiBrango has worked for L.B. Security & Investigations for 35 years, in addition to currently serving as the Councilor at Large for the Utica Common Council for six years. DiBrango has also served a firefighter for the Utica Fire Department for over 20 years, retiring in 2010.

Utica's current mayor Robert Palmieri, who has held the office since 2011, is serving his third term. Due to term limit rules, Palmieri is not eligible to run in the 2023 election.

One term for the city's mayor is four years, with the ability to run for a second consecutive term. In 2017, the Utica Common Council extended term limits to three consecutive terms, which gave Palmieri the ability to run for and win his third term in 2019. In 2021, the council brought term limits back down to two consecutive terms. Once the consecutive term limit has been reached, a mayor can not run for the same office again until one term has elapsed.

DiBrango gave a preview of his political platforms and campaign promises by stating the importance of the city's public safety officers, capitalizing on Utica's recent economic development, not increasing taxes for Utica residents and ensuring that property values around St. Elizabeth Medical Center do not decrease once the hospital shuts down due to the opening of the Wynn Hospital.

"Our current administration, along with the county and state officials, have built a great foundation for Utica," DiBrango said. "It is just the beginning. I will build on that foundation. We will be focused on Utica's future."