2011 Rochester mayoral special election

The 2011 Rochester mayoral special election took place on March 29, 2011 in the city of Rochester, New York, United States. Thomas Richards was elected over former mayor William A. Johnson Jr. to serve for the remainder of the term.

2011 Rochester mayoral special election

March 29, 2011

WFP Nominee Thomas Richards William A. Johnson Jr. Alex White Party Democratic Working Families Green Popular vote 12,471 10,732 2,221 Percentage 49.05% 42.21% 8.74%

Mayor before election Thomas Richards Democratic Elected Mayor Thomas Richards Democratic

Background

Incumbent Democratic Thomas Richards had been sworn in as interim mayor after Robert Duffy was elected lieutenant governor in 2010, previously having served as the City of Rochester Corporation Counsel and subsequently deputy mayor.[1] There was some controversy about whether Richards was officially mayor, or whether the power appointing a new mayor rested solely with the City Council. The council decided to hold a special election rather than wait for a general election to be held in November. The immediacy of the election precluded the possibility of primaries, so candidates were chosen directly by the party leaders. Having decided to contest the special election for the rest of Duffy's term, Richards resigned to ensure he could run without violating terms of the Hatch Act, which could have jeopardized federal funding.[2]

Candidates

Democratic

• Thomas Richards - interim mayor

Working Families

• William A. Johnson Jr. - former mayor[3]

Independence

• William A. Johnson Jr.

Green

• Alex White - businessman[4]

Results

Special election results[5]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Thomas Richards	12,471	49.05%
	Working Families	William A. Johnson Jr.	8,144	32.03%
	Independence	William A. Johnson Jr.	2,588	10.18%
	Total	William A. Johnson Jr.	10,732	42.21%
	Green	Alex White	2,221	8.74%
Total votes			25,424	100%

References

1. Large majority favors Richards
2. Thomas Richards resigns as Rochester mayor; Carlos Carballada to take his place
3. Richards wins special election
4. Sharp, Brian. "Alex White formally announces Rochester mayoral bid". Democrat and Chronicle.
5. "2011 Rochester Mayoral Special Election" (PDF).