Rochester's Democratic Primary Showdown: Who Will Shape the City's Future?

The Key Contenders Battling for City Council Seats

As Rochester’s Democratic primary heats up, voters are weighing the visions of several candidates vying for City Council seats. With critical issues like public safety, economic development, and housing affordability on the line, this election could reshape the city’s direction for years to come.

Meet the Candidates

• Sarah Mendiola – A community organizer pushing for police reform and expanded affordable housing programs.
• James Cortez – A small business owner advocating for tax incentives to revitalize downtown.
• Lena Park – A former educator prioritizing school funding and youth job training initiatives.
• Marcus Fuller – A union leader campaigning for infrastructure upgrades and green energy investments.

Where the Candidates Stand on Key Issues

1. Public Safety: While Mendiola backs reallocating police funding to social services, Cortez supports bolstering law enforcement with community policing strategies.
2. Economic Growth: Park champions small business grants, while Fuller pushes for large-scale public works projects.
3. Housing: All four candidates agree on the need for more affordable units but differ on zoning reforms versus rent control measures.

Why This Race Matters

With Rochester at a crossroads, the council’s decisions will directly impact residents’ daily lives—from crumbling roads to rising rents. The June primary could set the stage for major policy shifts.

What Do You Think?

• Should Rochester cut police budgets to fund social programs, or would that risk public safety?
• Is rent control the solution to the housing crisis, or does it discourage new development?
• Do urban revitalization efforts often neglect low-income neighborhoods?
• Are local elections more consequential than national ones for community change?