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Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ontario County DA announces plans to retire, ends re-election bid
Ontario County District Attorney James Ritts has announced he will retire "in the near future" and is withdrawing from the upcoming November election, ending his bid for re-election. In his Aug. 7 announcement, Ritts stated that he has not yet chosen a date to make his retirement official. "I have work to do between now and my last day, including deciding that 'last day'", Ritts wrote in his statement. "I will leave my team, my County, and my family in the best possible place to decide their paths. I look forward to the next stage in my journey with gratitude, pride, and humility. I also look forward to relaxing, finding new hobbies, and time with my family." Ritts, who has served as DA since 2017 and was seeking a third term, lost the June 24 Ontario County Republican Primary to challenger, and his former First Assistant District Attorney, Jason MacBride, by a narrow margin of 103 votes. According to the Ontario County Board of Elections, MacBride received 2,191 votes (51.18%) while Ritts received 2,088 votes (48.77%) after all in-person and mail-in ballots were counted. Ritts initially stated he was planning to remain on the November ballot on the Conservative Party line. In July, he responded to the Primary Election results with a strongly worded statement, writing: "I'm disappointed to have come up short in the Republican Primary by 103 votes," Ritts said, "but I'm looking forward to running in the General Election where we'll have far greater voter turnout." Now, one month later, Ritts has announced he will be retiring from his position as DA and will not be running for reelection in the fall. "I reflect on the fact that I have led a team of amazing prosecutors through the pandemic and the ever-evolving criminal justice reform," he wrote in his statement. "We have maintained our unwavering commitment to victims by believing them, supporting them, and being a voice for them." MacBride has not yet responded to inquiries regarding Ritts' announcement. High-profile Ontario County DA race. What led to Ritts' retirement? The high-profile contest between Ritts and MacBride has drawn attention since MacBride launched his campaign in February, citing concerns over an internal investigation into a controversial courthouse election night party that involved costumes, alcohol, decorations, and karaoke. MacBride, formerly Ritts' First Assistant DA, said the incident raised ethical concerns and motivated his candidacy. In a statement, he wrote: 'It is not silly for the public to expect their District Attorney to be truthful during an official investigation.' Ritts has defended the event, stating it was a long-standing tradition started by his predecessor and only became controversial during his re-election bid. In a statement sent to a Democrat and Chronicle reporter in April in response to the investigation, Ritts wrote, "Just like plenty of offices everywhere, we held an office party on a State holiday. This event started many years ago under the direction of my predecessor and no one has ever made issue of it until now, when I happen to be running for re-election. Political silly season is apparently upon us, and I'm confident the people of Ontario County are smart enough to see through it." It is unclear whether the controversy surrounding this race led to Ritts' decision to withdraw from the race and retire; however, it was clear that MacBride's campaign launch in February took Ritts by surprise. In February, Ritts told the Democrat and Chronicle that he was shocked to learn about his former First ADA's campaign announcement. "But what I will say is every victim has always had a voice in my office. Every victim has always been supported, and every victim will be supported under my administration," Ritts told a Democrat & Chronicle reporter back in February. James Ritts' career background In his statement, Ritts said that his decision to retire from his 36-year-long career was bittersweet. He said that he has worked both as a public defender and prosecutor in Ohio and New York. "I have been blessed to make a difference in the lives of so many people," he said. Ritts, who was first elected to the office in 2017 while running as a Republican and Conservative, was originally seeking his third term before his Aug. 7 retirement announcement. He was the First ADA under former District Attorney R. Michael Tantillo prior to running for the office. Ritts won the primary and subsequent general election in 2017 to gain the office. He ran unopposed in 2021. "This journey has never been about me. I hope the selfless team I have built takes time to take care of themselves," Ritts said in his Aug. 7 statement. "It will be most difficult to not be around the people I respect, admire, and love; however, knowing those relationships are forged in the cauldron that is prosecution, I have no doubt we will always be together." — Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who covers breaking and trending news for the Finger Lakes Region. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Ontario County DA James Ritts to retire, ends re-election bid Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Primary race too close to call: What happens next in the Ontario County DA battle?
Jason MacBride has taken the lead over the incumbent Ontario County District Attorney, James Ritts, in the Republican primary DA race, according to the county Board of Elections' unofficial results. MacBride received 2,179 votes after the polls closed on June 24, and Ritts received 2,064 votes. What does this mean, and what happens next in the race According to the Ontario County Board of Elections, over 4,000 Ontario County voters cast a ballot in the June 24, 2025, Primary Election. The unofficial election results that were posted after the polls closed represent the majority of the ballots cast by those voters, making up the in-person ballots, early voters and mail-in ballots, absentee, military and overseas voters, the county BOE said in a statement. These results also include 256 mail-in ballots (13 Democratic and 244 Republican) that the BOE received by June 22 and the 20 additional mail-in ballots (1 Democratic and 19 Republican), the board has received since then. As of June 25, the county board said they were still waiting on 361 ballots (20 Democratic and 341 Republican) that were mailed to county voters but not yet returned. The election results are not considered official until all ballots are received, counted and the results are certified. New York State's Election Law allows the county to continue receiving mail-in ballots through July 1, 2025. These ballots can only be added to the election results if they are postmarked on or before June 24, 2025. Every returned mail-in ballot will get reviewed by a bipartisan team before it is counted in the results, the Ontario County BOE said. The county board said it expects the tabulation of remaining mail-in and Affidavit Ballots to be completed by July 1. When the tabulation is completed, the county said the results will be certified, and the official 2025 Primary Election results will be released to the public. "The Board recognizes public interest in the outcomes of these election contests and the entire staff is working diligently to complete mandated post-election reviews, testing and audits as quickly as possible," the Ontario County Board of Elections wrote in a statement released on June 25. "We appreciate the public's patience as we complete this process." In a statement released after the votes were tallied Tuesday night, Ritts said the initial unofficial results "show us trailing by a very close 115-vote margin out of nearly 4,300 votes cast.' 'It is too early to concede the race, as we should wait for any standard review procedures by the Board of Elections, as well as additional absentee ballots to be received by mail in the coming days,' Ritts stated. According to the Ontario County BOE, NY Election Law 9-208 mandates a full manual recount of the ballots in elections with the margin of victory between candidates being less than .5 percent of votes or less than 20 votes. The county board stated that if any recounts are required, they will not be scheduled until the week of July 14. The unofficial results in the Ontario County DA primary that are currently posted on the BOE website still show a 115-vote margin victory between MacBride and Ritts. On Thursday MacBride posted an update to his FaceBook writing, "While the results are still unofficial and every vote must be counted, we stand by our message: Republican voters made it clear they want a District Attorney who is hardworking, respected across the criminal justice system, and committed to doing what's right for victims and for our community." MacBride said he remains patient and respectful of the election process. Both candidates will be on the general election ballot in November, regardless of the GOP primary result. Ritts has secured the Conservative Party line while MacBride secured the Truth and Justice line. To learn more about the electoral process, visit or call the Ontario County Board of Elections at 585-396-4005. — Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who covers breaking and trending news for the Finger Lakes Region. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Primary race too close to call: What happens next in the Ontario County DA battle?
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
MacBride leads GOP primary for Ontario County DA; Ritts holds off on conceding
CANANDAIGUA, NY — Challenger Jason MacBride appears to have turned back incumbent Ontario County District Attorney James Ritts in the Republican primary for district attorney, according to unofficial results from the county Board of Elections. But the district attorney said the race is too close to call at this point. MacBride, who currently serves as an assistant county attorney, received 2,179 votes after the polls closed June 24. Ritts received 2,064 votes. In a statement released after the votes were tallied Tuesday night, Ritts said the initial unofficial results "show us trailing by a very close 115-vote margin out of nearly 4,300 votes cast.' 'It is too early to concede the race, as we should wait for any standard review procedures by the Board of Elections, as well as additional absentee ballots to be received by mail in the coming days,' Ritts stated. In launching his campaign in February, MacBride lcited concerns over an internal investigation into a controversial courthouse election night party that involved costumes, alcohol, decorations, and karaoke. MacBride, formerly Ritts' First Assistant DA, said the incident raised ethical concerns and motivated his candidacy. Ritts has defended the event, stating it was a long-standing tradition started by his predecessor and only became controversial during his re-election bid. Both candidates will be on the general election ballot in November regardless of the GOP primary result. Ritts has secured the Conservative Party line while MacBride secured the Truth and Justice line. Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy. Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who edited our Weld Street Project and also did reporting for it. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Jason MacBride leads GOP primary for Ontario County DA over James Ritts
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ontario County GOP voters to decide DA primary June 24: What to know
Voting in the Republican primary for Ontario County District Attorney will take place on Tuesday, June 24, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at all 44 county polling sites. According to the Ontario County Board of Elections, more than 29,000 registered Republicans are eligible to vote in the race between incumbent District Attorney James Ritts and challenger Jason MacBride, a career prosecutor. This high-profile contest has drawn attention since MacBride launched his campaign in February, citing concerns over an internal investigation into a controversial courthouse election night party that involved costumes, alcohol, decorations, and karaoke. MacBride, formerly Ritts' First Assistant DA, said the incident raised ethical concerns and motivated his candidacy. In a statement, he wrote: 'It is not silly for the public to expect their District Attorney to be truthful during an official investigation.' Ritts has defended the event, stating it was a long-standing tradition started by his predecessor and only became controversial during his re-election bid. This is the only countywide primary in Ontario County. Republican primaries are also being held in the towns of Farmington, Gorham, Naples, Phelps, and Richmond. James Ritts (Incumbent) First elected in 2017 as a Republican and Conservative. Previously served as First Assistant DA under R. Michael Tantillo. Ran unopposed in 2021, now seeking a third term. In a statement, Ritts said: 'Our 96% conviction rate and lowest dismissal rate in Western NY (4% compared to the statewide 14%) is a point of pride. I've recruited an amazing team to fight for victims, public safety, and justice for all.'' He pledged to continue expanding support for victims and maintaining Ontario County's reputation as a safe place to live and raise a family. Jason MacBride (Challenger) Currently serves as an Assistant County Attorney, prosecuting juvenile cases and advising child protection investigations. Has 21 years of prosecutorial experience, including felony cases such as homicides and child abuse. Formerly worked in both the Monroe and Ontario County DA's Offices. In his statement, MacBride emphasized restoring "ethical and effective leadership" and wrote: 'I lead by example through hard work, ingenuity, and partnering with others to best serve victims.' To verify your registration, party enrollment, or polling location, visit: Ontario County Voter Info Center NY State Voter Lookup Or call the Ontario County Board of Elections at 585-396-4005. Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy. Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who edited our Weld Street Project and also did reporting for it. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Ontario County GOP voters to decide DA primary June 24: What to know
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Primary day in Ontario County nears: What to know
CANANDAIGUA, NY — A Republican primary for Ontario County district attorney is grabbing the bulk of the headlines. According to the Ontario County Board of Elections, more than 29,000 GOP voters are eligible to vote in the race pitting Ontario County DA James Ritts against career prosecutor Jason MacBride. But residents in several towns in the county also will head to the polls June 24 to determine which candidates, ranging from town supervisor to highway superintendent races, will be on the general election ballot Nov. 4. According to the board, which has begun mailing primary election ballots to eligible military, overseas, permanently disabled, absentee and early mail voter applicants, one Democratic Party and eight Republican Party contests are on the June 24 election ballot. Here's what you should know. Republican Party voters in several towns will decide which candidates will represent their party on the November election ballot. They are: Farmington: Sean Murphy and Martin Halpin are running for highway superintendent. Voters choose one of two candidates. Gorham: Chase J. Brown and incumbents Philip Curtis and Brian Lazarus are running for town councilmember. Voters choose two of three candidates. Brandon Ayers and Keith D. Blaker are running for highway superintendent. Voters choose one of two candidates. Naples: Incumbent Benjamin S. Hanggi, Jody Diana Bendzlowicz and Timothy A. Stone are running for town councilmember. Voters choose two of three candidates. Phelps: Incumbent Bill Wellman and Douglas Smith are running for town supervisor. Voters choose one of two candidates. Philip Frere Jr. and William Poormon are running for town highway superintendent. Voters choose one of two candidates. Richmond: Mike Baker and incumbent Daryl Marshall are running for town supervisor. Voters choose one of two candidates. The only Democratic Party primary in the county will be held in the city of Geneva. Joseph S. Adulte and Esther Dickinson are running for Ontario County supervisor to represent Wards 5 and 6. Voters will choose one to appear on the Democratic Party ballot line in November. Eligible voters may cast their ballot by mail using an early vote by mail or absentee ballot, in-person on Election Day, June 24, or during the early voting period from June 14 through June 22. More information about the election and sample ballots are available at the Board of Elections website at Voters choosing to vote in person during Election Day will cast their ballots at their normal poll site from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 24. All 44 county poll sites will be open on Election Day. To learn more about the electoral process, review voter registration information or apply to become an election inspector, visit the Ontario County Board of Elections website at Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Primary day in Ontario County NY nears: What to know
