Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh is putting his weight behind Sharon Owens as she runs in a three-way Democratic primary for mayor. 

Walsh, an independent, endorsed Owens, who is currently his deputy mayor, Wednesday outside the Southwest Community Center in Syracuse. Walsh is not able to seek reelection due to term limits. Owens would be the city's first Black mayor if elected. 

"Sharon, while maybe not being born here, is embedded, deeply embedded and ingrained in this city," Walsh said. "She knows the people and she loves the people that she serves."

Walsh said he and Owens got to know each other when they were deputy commissioners within Syracuse city government at the same time. Walsh said her experience working at the community center showed him that "she has exceptional executive leadership experience." 

Owens is running in the Democratic primary against Syracuse Common Council members Pat Hogan and Chol Majok. The trio took part in a debate last week. Hogan has been endorsed by Syracuse Democrats. 

The winner of the primary will go up against Republican Thomas Babilon, a former city attorney; Tim Rudd, an independent candidate who formerly worked as the city's budget director; and Alfonso Davis, a businessman and frequent mayoral candidate who also filed as an independent after failing to get on the Democratic ballot.

Early voting for the primary starts June 14 and Primary Day is June 24.