SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — On the final day of the campaign, candidates and elected officials stopped for spaghetti and meatballs at the 77th annual Election Day Spaghetti Supper.
At Our Lady of Pompei in Syracuse, volunteers from across Onondaga County served spaghetti to politicians and community members in the parish basement.
Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens speaks with community members at the Election Day Spaghetti Supper © 2026 Abe Rothstein
Political heavyweights, ranging from U.S. Rep. John Mannion (D-NY) to Republican County Judge Matt Doran and other local candidates met with constituents.
“The best part of this event is that it is absolutely non-partisan, whatever party you’re in,” said Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens. “You show up and have some great spaghetti cooked by some amazing people.”
James Corl, a Republican who was running in a toss-up state Senate district, grew up attending the supper. His grandfather chaired the Cicero Republican Committee and his father served in the Onondaga County Legislature.
“I’ve been here many times as a kid,” Corl said. “I was honored to be here as somebody that’s running for office.”
From 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, the parish served hundreds of patrons, charging $12 for the feast.
“Hopefully we never get to a place where we can’t sit at the same table and break bread and have spaghetti and meatballs together,” said the Rev. Brendan Foley, the congregation’s pastor. “It’s important to realize the dignity and humanity of us all.”
The break from modern politics is refreshing for many candidates.
“It’s a great event, it’s non-partisan,” said Matt Doran, Onondaga County Court Judge running for re-election. “I come to this every year; it’s really one of the things I love about this community.”
As candidates change every year, the Election Day Spaghetti Supper remains a Syracuse staple.