Garnell W. Whitfield Jr., a lifelong resident of Buffalo, New York, has dedicated over three decades to public service and community advocacy. Born in April 1957 to Ruth and Garnell W. Whitfield, Sr., he embarked on a distinguished career with the Buffalo Fire Department in 1984. Whitfield ascended through the ranks throughout his tenure, serving as Chief Fire Administrator, Deputy Commissioner of Administration, and Deputy Commissioner of Emergency Services. In January 2010, he was appointed Fire Commissioner by Mayor Byron Brown, a position he held until his retirement in July 2017. 

Following his retirement, Governor Andrew Cuomo appointed Whitfield as Assistant Commissioner of the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, where he served from September 2017 to September 2019. 

In May 2022, tragedy struck when Whitfield’s mother, Ruth, was the innocent victim of a racially motivated mass shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo. In the aftermath, he emerged as a national advocate against white supremacy and domestic terrorism, testifying before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee to raise awareness and promote change. He serves on the 5/14 Permanent Memorial Commission and the Board of Directors for Rowell Park Cancer Institute.

As Mayor of Buffalo, he aims to bring transformative, transparent, collaborative leadership to the city. His campaign focuses on people first and the well-being and safety of all Buffalonians while addressing the city’s looming fiscal crisis, improving quality of life for all residents, revitalizing the East Side, and supporting infrastructure projects like the full restoration of Humboldt Parkway. 

Whitfield resides in Buffalo with his wife of 40 years, Cassietta. They are proud parents of four children. His enduring commitment to public service and community advocacy underscores his vision for a united and thriving Buffalo.