Momentum is building in the Cayuga County Sheriff race as an influential endorsement shakes up what was expected to be a closely contested campaign. The head of Auburn’s prominent teachers’ union has announced a formal endorsement for Brian Schenck, a move that signals a consolidation of local institutional support around the current sheriff. With law enforcement, education, and community safety intersecting more than ever, the endorsement invites broader discussion on experience, trust, and public service in local elections.
This development not only emboldens Schenck’s re-election bid but also presents a deeper narrative on community priorities. With growing concerns about school safety, public trust in police departments, and small-town crime trends, the sheriff’s office has become a fulcrum for voter sentiment. As such, major endorsements—especially from the educational sector—may have ripple effects stretching far beyond a single race.
Let’s take a deeper look at what this means for voters, opponents, and stakeholders across Cayuga County.
Key facts you need to know
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Candidate Endorsed | Brian Schenck |
| Endorsed By | President of Auburn Teachers Association |
| Position Sought | Cayuga County Sheriff |
| Incumbent Status | Yes (seeking re-election) |
| Key Issues | Public safety, school security, leadership, experience |
| Election Date | November 2024 |
Why the teachers’ endorsement matters right now
The endorsement from the Auburn Teachers Association, representing educators across the district, highlights a growing alliance between educational professionals and law enforcement in addressing mutual concerns—particularly school safety, mental health supports, and crisis response. In an increasingly polarized electoral landscape, such bipartisan and institutional endorsements promise to center local policy around long-term community investments rather than party lines.
Brian Schenck has consistently supported our schools, our safety, and our community. His leadership is evidence-based and student-focused.
— Andrew Filauro, President, Auburn Teachers Association
This public backing not only validates Schenck’s work during his current term but also connects him to a critical voter base: educators, parents, and education advocates. These voters frequently organize, amplify messaging, and play a key role in local voter turnout—especially in off-year elections like 2024.
Who is Brian Schenck and what has he done?
An Auburn native and law enforcement veteran, Brian Schenck has served as Cayuga County Sheriff since 2018. He has emphasized community-centered policing, extensive youth programs, and firm support for professional training within his department. Under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office has expanded partnerships with mental health services and enhanced school resource officer presence throughout the county’s districts.
Schenck is known not only for his fieldwork but also for administrative transparency and community forums, which help facilitate open communication between residents and law enforcement officials about policies and issues. During the pandemic, he also helped coordinate area-relevant safety mechanisms that included student outreach, elder check-ins, and emergency response infrastructure modernization.
What his opponents are saying
While Schenck currently enjoys a high favorability rating among educational unions and several local leaders, opposition candidates argue that new approaches are needed to tackle the evolving nature of crime, fentanyl-related deaths, and budget priorities. However, they now face the challenge of countering a growing consensus around Schenck’s leadership style and collaborative skills.
Clayton Major is deeply committed to public service and accountability. He offers fresh approaches that shouldn’t be ignored just because of establishment preferences.
— Campaign Staffer for Clayton Major (anonymous)
Despite being relatively new to the political landscape, challenger Clayton Major has emphasized a more aggressive stance on drug interdiction and has criticized the Sheriff’s Office for resisting some statewide reforms.
The endorsement’s impact on the campaign landscape
With this endorsement, Schenck will likely lean further into his strengths—a decades-long record in policing, broad name recognition, and institutional partnerships. Expect his campaign messaging to pivot toward “continuity” and safeguarding community-based programs already in place. The endorsement gives him the local validation voters often trust more than distant political backers or national party leaders.
The added benefit for Schenck is that few political assets are as valuable as backing from education professionals, who not only organize voter drives but participate in numerous civic events and school board meetings—acting as key influencers within the political microclimate of each town or district.
How education and law enforcement collaboration is reshaping policy
In recent years, joint ventures between school administrations and sheriff departments have become pivotal in reshaping policy. From active shooter preparedness to mental health interventions, shared responsibility is becoming the gold standard. Voters are observing how well candidates can align not just with their own departments but with other public institutions as well.
Schenck’s tenure has included the rollout of classroom safety audit programs and collaborative drills held with emergency medical services (EMS), local educators, and parental committees. His frequent attendance at school-related events has signaled a commitment beyond just enforcement—hinting at sustained engagement.
Public reaction and endorsements still to come
Early feedback indicates that many voters favor Schenck’s cross-sector collaboration style, especially as fiscal concerns rise. However, with several months left before the election, other local associations may issue new endorsements that could further impact public opinion. Police unions, first responder guilds, and parent-teacher organizations are all expected to weigh in before the fall.
Challengers will need to pivot strategically, perhaps by offering concrete policy differences or questioning the long-term sustainability of current approaches under Schenck’s leadership. Still, unless a significant scandal or fiscal issue breaks, institutional endorsements tend to solidify early advantages in local elections with historically low turnout.
Winners and losers from this endorsement
| Winners | Why |
|---|---|
| Brian Schenck | Receives validation of sheriff policies and community outreach |
| Auburn Teachers Association | Increases influence in civic policy and public safety dialogue |
| Voters concerned with school safety | May see enhanced priorities in unified police-education measures |
| Losers | Why |
| Clayton Major | Faces loss of momentum and challenge to differentiate platforms |
| Independent associations yet undecided | Risk being left behind as coalition forms around incumbent |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is currently the Cayuga County Sheriff?
Brian Schenck is the current Sheriff of Cayuga County and is running for re-election in 2024.
What does the Auburn Teachers Association endorsement mean?
It signals strong institutional support from the education sector and represents alignment between educators and public safety leadership.
When is the next Cayuga County Sheriff election?
The election is scheduled for November 2024, aligning with various local and municipal races.
Who is Brian Schenck’s main opponent?
Clayton Major is the primary challenger in the race and advocates for stronger drug enforcement policies and systemic sheriff reforms.
Has Sheriff Schenck been endorsed by other groups?
Yes, multiple local institutions, civic organizations, and public safety groups have previously endorsed him. More are expected before November.
What are the main issues in the Cayuga County Sheriff race?
Key issues include community policing, school safety, drug crime, and mental health coordination with law enforcement.
What is Brian Schenck’s law enforcement background?
Schenck has over two decades in law enforcement and has served as sheriff since 2018. He is known for modernization efforts and community outreach.
Can endorsements significantly affect local elections like this?
Yes, especially in off-year local elections where turnout is often low, endorsements by trusted local institutions can be decisive.