Matt Ryan
Candidate for Broome County Sheriff
Background
Matt Ryan was mayor of Binghamton from 2006 to 2013 and worked as a public defender for 15 years; he ran for sheriff in 2018 and for Broome County district attorney in 2023.
Documented positions
Taxes & budget
Proposes downsizing the 600-bed county jail to save money.
He called the jail "twice as big as it needs to be" and said ending ICE housing and reviewing federal detainees could save millions of dollars.
ReportWhy former Binghamton mayor is planning to run for Broome County sheriff (Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin, via Yahoo News)News coverage · Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin · Mar 31, 2026 · yahoo.com
“potentially downsize the jail to save on funding … downsize our jail, then we could save millions of dollars”
Public safety
Pledges to end the sheriff's office's cooperation with ICE.
ReportBroome County sheriff may face opposition in reelection bidNews coverage · WSKG · Mar 27, 2026 · wskg.org
“Ryan said as sheriff, he would end all cooperation with ICE.”
Ryan criticizes Sheriff Akshar for Hochul lawsuit (WIVT News 34, via Yahoo News)News coverage · WIVT News 34 · Sep 3, 2026 · yahoo.com
“He says if he is elected, he will end ICE collaboration.”
Supports shifting jail spending to crime prevention and youth programs.
ReportWhy former Binghamton mayor is planning to run for Broome County sheriff (Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin, via Yahoo News)News coverage · Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin · Mar 31, 2026 · yahoo.com
“Part of his plan is to use resources to focus on prevention tactics like youth programs … A lot of that money could be used to prevent crime in the first place”
Courts & justice
Supports reentry programs to reduce recidivism.
ReportBroome County sheriff may face opposition in reelection bidNews coverage · WSKG · Mar 27, 2026 · wskg.org
“those who are coming back into our communities have a chance to succeed, have support systems in place”
Why former Binghamton mayor is planning to run for Broome County sheriff (Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin, via Yahoo News)News coverage · Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin · Mar 31, 2026 · yahoo.com
“Another aspect of his plan to redirect funding is to reduce recidivism.”
Opposes the sheriffs' lawsuit against New York's 287(g) ban.
ReportFormer Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan criticizes Broome County Sheriff Akshar over ICE-related lawsuitNews coverage · Pipe Dream · Sep 10, 2026 · bupipedream.com
“criticized current Sheriff Fred Akshar for filing a lawsuit against New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James”
All sources (5)
- Full Candidate List (Office/Candidate List), 2026 election cycle, as of 7/6/2026
Election filing · Broome County Board of Elections · broomevotes.com
- Broome County sheriff may face opposition in reelection bid
News coverage · WSKG · Mar 27, 2026 · wskg.org
- Ryan criticizes Sheriff Akshar for Hochul lawsuit (WIVT News 34, via Yahoo News)
News coverage · WIVT News 34 · Sep 3, 2026 · yahoo.com
- Why former Binghamton mayor is planning to run for Broome County sheriff (Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin, via Yahoo News)
News coverage · Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin · Mar 31, 2026 · yahoo.com
- Former Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan criticizes Broome County Sheriff Akshar over ICE-related lawsuit
News coverage · Pipe Dream · Sep 10, 2026 · bupipedream.com
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.