Political activity is beginning to intensify across Rochester and Monroe County as candidates prepare for what is expected to be a highly watched 2026 election cycle featuring congressional races, local legislative contests, statewide battles, and growing debate over public safety, housing, taxes, and economic development. (L to R) Congressman Joe Morelle is expected to face Democratic primary challengers Robin Wilt and Sherita Traywick in the 2026 race for New York’s 25th Co

Mayor Malik D. Evans Mayor Malik Evans has unveiled a proposed $680 million-plus city budget that is already fueling debate over taxes, public safety, neighborhood investment, and the future financial direction of Rochester. The proposed 2026-27 spending plan, presented last week, calls for Rochester’s first property tax levy increase in nearly five years as city officials grapple with rising pension costs, healthcare expenses, fuel prices, and slowing sales tax growth. Evans

Civil rights advocates, voters, and Democratic lawmakers across Tennessee are accusing Republican lawmakers of intentionally weakening Black political representation after the state approved a controversial new congressional map that dismantles Tennessee’s only majority-Black congressional district. State Senator London Lamar represents Tennessee's 33rd senate district as the youngest female and African America legislator in the Tennessee State Senate history The new map, pas

Former Rochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren is weighing in on Rochester’s renewed debate over red-light cameras, arguing the city’s own data does not support claims that the technology consistently improves public safety. Former Mayor Lovely Warren cancelled Rochester's Red Light Camera program in December, 2016 In a recently posted social media video, Warren criticized city officials for citing New York City statistics during recent public discussions instead of relying on Roche