By Gina Castellani
NIAGARA FALLS — Carl Cain, the retired Niagara Falls police deputy superintendent who came within 212 votes of unseating Mayor Robert Restaino in 2023, says he will run again in 2027. Mr. Cain, a Republican, announced his candidacy on Facebook last week and told Buffalo Toronto Public Media that the narrow loss convinced him voters were with him.
“I think what has happened before, because I lost by less than 300 votes, was that the voters showed me that they believe that I’m the one. They just need to hear more of my message. So, I believe it was a step in the right direction,” Mr. Cain said.
The election is a year away, but the field is already forming. Former city Public Works director John Caso has said he intends to challenge Mr. Restaino, a Democrat, in the Democratic primary, {a(NA,”Niagara Action reported”)}. Mr. Restaino has been mayor since 2020 and has not said whether he will seek a third term; the city has no term limit for mayor, BTPM reported.
What Mr. Cain is running on
Mr. Cain told BTPM he would focus on open government, infrastructure and the city’s economic footing. “People need to know what the government’s doing, not what the government has done. They need to know what you plan on doing, why you’re doing it, after you’re doing it,” he said. “We also need to tackle infrastructure, and lastly, we need to have a way of working to make sure we have economic viability.”
In his Facebook announcement, Mr. Cain listed “safe neighborhoods, economic growth, quality housing, youth development, and accountable government” as the city’s needs. “This campaign brings people together, regardless of political party, race, or background, to build a stronger future for every resident,” he wrote. “I humbly ask for your support, your ideas, and your vote.”
Who he is
Mr. Cain, 61, spent decades with the Niagara Falls Police Department and retired as deputy superintendent. He has also served in the New York Army National Guard and worked in higher education locally, BTPM reported. He holds master’s degrees in criminal justice administration from Niagara University and in business management and leadership from Liberty University, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
“After more than four decades of service to the people of Niagara Falls, I am proud to announce my candidacy for Mayor,” he wrote. “As a retired Deputy Chief of Police, a veteran, an educator, and a community leader, I understand the challenges and opportunities facing our city.”
The incumbent’s record so far
Mr. Restaino, a former city judge, has led the city since 2020 and won a second term in 2023 after a count that went to absentee ballots. His administration has just sent the City Council its proposed 2027 budgets: a $107.6 million operating budget, $4.1 million more than this year’s, and a $34.5 million capital plan, the Niagara Gazette reported. The Council will review the spending plan in the coming weeks.
Mr. Cain has not yet released detailed proposals on taxes, staffing or specific capital projects. Niagara Action, a local website, reported that he criticized the administration over neighborhood upkeep and infrastructure; The Chronicle has asked his campaign for specifics.
What comes next
Candidates for the 2027 primaries will file petitions next year, and party committees will weigh endorsements before then. Mr. Cain said he is seeking the Republican nomination again.
The Chronicle has asked Mr. Restaino’s office whether he plans to run and for a response to Mr. Cain’s announcement, and will update this story with any reply.
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