NEW ROCHELLE, NY (February 17, 2023) — Council Member Yadira Ramos-Herbert (District 3) was endorsed unanimously as the New Rochelle Democratic Committee to succeed Noam Bramson as Mayor after Westchester County Legislator Damon Maher withdrew citing a weighted voting scheme which he said was unfair. A third candidate, James O’Toole, did not attend the party’s convention last night at New Rochelle United Methodist Church.
Primary candidates cannot officially begin campaigning (collecting petition signatures to get on the primary ballot) until February 27.
The New Rochelle Primary will end on June 27, 2023; Early Voting will be June 17, 2023 – June 25, 2023.
The General Election will end November 7, 2023; Early Voting will be October 28, 2023 – November 5, 2023.
What they are saying:
Westchester County Legislator Damon Maher: “We received new weighted vote allocations at 4:47pm on the day before this Dems preference poll run by local party bosses. They don’t come close fairly reflecting the voting strength of the parts of the New Rochelle that I have represented in the County Legislature for 5-plus years where I have been most popular. I refused to participate in this charade and will run full-tilt in the June 27 primary to let the voters decide.”
Democratic District Leader Jonathan Nwaru: “Yadira is the most qualified candidate to become our next Mayor. With her track record of collaborative leadership, I am proud of our organization for the historic choice to support her as our next Mayor.
Council Member (District 1) Martha Lopez-Hanratty: This is a historic day for New Rochelle. For the first time in our city’s history, the Democrats have united behind a woman. This is a proud day for us as Democrats and us as residents of the city we love so dearly.”
Council Member Yadira Ramos-Herbert: “I am grateful to the New Rochelle Democratic Committee and humbled by their support. New Rochelle is strongest when we are united together and the results of tonight’s vote show that New Rochelle is strong. We have a long road ahead of us to the Mayorship, but I will put in the work to ensure every corner of this city understands the importance of the moment.”
NRMHA Executive Director Angela Davis-Farrish: “I am extremely pleased that Lianne Merchant has been selected as the Democratic nominee for City Council District 3. She has a record of achievement and strong commitment to our children. I would like to personally thank her for introducing fencing to the children who live in public housing.”
Candidate for District 3 Kwamain Dixon: “I am overly motivated to win this up coming election and represent the people and not my own personal interests or agenda. Today showed me just how dirty politics can be and I really appreciate tonight’s lesson. It’s not about the love or loyalty it’s about what you can do for me.”
The party-endorsed candidates:
- Council District 1: Martha Lopez
- Council District 2: None
- Council District 3: Lianne Merchant
- Council District 4: Ivar Hyden
- Council District 5: Sara Kaye
- Council District 6: Matt Stern
Matt Stern replaces Elizabeth Fried is moving out of New Rochelle. The Democrats did not field a candidate in Council District 2, the seat of well-established Republican Albert Tarantino.
There are two seats expected to be contested in a primary election: Mayor and Council District 3:
- Mayor: Yadira Ramos-Herbert, Damon Maher, James O’Toole have all said they will run in the New Rochelle Democratic Party primary for Mayor.
- Council District 3: Lianne Merchant, Kwamaine Dixon, and David Peters have all said they will run in the New Rochelle Democratic Party primary for Council District 3.