Dorcey Applyrs declared victory Tuesday night in the four-way Democratic primary for mayor and will represent Democrats in November when voters determine who becomes Albany’s first new mayor in 12 years.

Applyrs, the city’s chief auditor, led businessman and political newcomer Dan Cerutti, Common Council leader Corey Ellis and Albany County Legislator Carolyn McLaughlin in the race to represent Democrats and succeed Kathy Sheehan as mayor, according to preliminary vote totals.

If the numbers hold, she will now enter the general election in a bid to become the first Black mayor in the city’s history.

"Albany should and must work for all of us," Applyrs told a crowd at Common Roots Albany Outpost. "Albany, this win is historic." 

While Applyrs received the backing of Sheehan and other Albany-area Democrats, the primary grew into a hard-fought race that focused on public safety and quality of life issues, but also on how to best spend $400 million designated from the state budget.

The race, which narrowed in recent weeks between Applyrs and Cerutti, also featured debates on how to address mental health issues, establish more affordable housing and address empty storefronts. At one point in the campaign, Applyrs accused Cerutti, who grew up on South Main Street, of having a Republican track record.

In conceding on Tuesday night, Cerutti said that characterization, while wrong, had stuck. But he credited Applyrs for running a good campaign.

"We have to respect the process. We did our best," said Cerutti, who had gained the backing of the city’s police, fire and other unions, as well as former Mayor Gerald Jennings.

"Team Dorsey represents the best of Albany," Applyrs said Tuesday night. "We are diverse. We actually embrace diversity, equity and inclusion."

Applyrs said during the campaign that Albany is at a turning point. The top issue she and other candidates said they heard while speaking with voters is the perception Albany isn't safe. She stressed the need for recruiting and retaining officers and doubling down on community policing.

As auditor, Applyrs argued she’s been a good steward of taxpayer dollars. The mother of two, who received a doctorate in public health at the University at Albany, says she started public service doing HIV work on Clinton Avenue.

When it comes to the state’s $400 million investment in Albany as part of this year’s state budget, Applyrs said she wanted to prioritize "anchor" projects.

Having received the blessing of Democratic voters and backing of the Working Families Party, Applyrs now moves on to the general election in November, when she’s expected to face Rocco Pezzulo, the designated Republican and Conservative candidate.