Town of Tonawanda Supervisor to Step Down in May

Joe Emminger has served the town since 2005 and will not finish his current term.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:11pm

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Joe Emminger, the Town of Tonawanda Supervisor, has announced plans to step down from his position next month after serving in local government for two decades. Emminger was first elected as a town councilman in 2005 and later became supervisor in 2015, a role he has held for the past eight years.

Why it matters

Emminger's departure marks a significant change in the town's leadership, as he has been a key figure in local politics for many years. His decision to step down midway through his current term will require the town board to appoint an interim successor until a special election is held in November to fill the remainder of the term.

The details

Emminger was first elected as a town councilman in 2005 and was re-elected in 2009 and 2013. He was appointed deputy supervisor by former Supervisor Anthony Caruana in 2008, then elected supervisor in 2015. He was re-elected in 2019 and 2023 by wide margins. In his announcement, Emminger cited a desire to 'make way for the next generation of leaders in the Town' as the reason for his decision to step down.

  • Emminger was first elected as a town councilman in 2005.
  • Emminger was appointed deputy supervisor in 2008.
  • Emminger was elected supervisor in 2015.
  • Emminger was re-elected as supervisor in 2019 and 2023.
  • Emminger plans to step down as supervisor in May 2026.

The players

Joe Emminger

The Town of Tonawanda Supervisor who has served in local government for two decades, first as a town councilman and then as supervisor since 2015.

Anthony Caruana

The former Town of Tonawanda Supervisor who appointed Emminger as deputy supervisor in 2008.

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What they’re saying

“It has been a privilege to serve my hometown, the town I grew up in and the town where my wife and I decided decades ago to raise our children in. A solid foundation has been laid during my time as supervisor, which is why, after giving it much thought, I think now is the right time to step aside, making way for the next generation of leaders in the Town.”

— Joe Emminger, Town of Tonawanda Supervisor

What’s next

The town board will appoint Emminger's successor to serve until the end of 2026. A special election will be held in November to fill the remainder of the term, which expires at the end of 2027.

The takeaway

Emminger's departure marks the end of an era in Tonawanda politics, as he has been a prominent figure in the town for two decades. The town board's appointment of an interim successor and the upcoming special election will be closely watched as the community looks to the next generation of leaders to guide the town's future.