Evans Wins Decisive Victory in Mayoral Primary

Incumbent Democratic Mayor Malik Evans secured a decisive victory in Tuesday’s primary, defeating City Council member Mary Lupien and businessman Shashi Sinha as Rochester voters headed to the polls.

Evans tallied 7,601 votes, or 57 percent, while Lupien received 4,431 votes (33 percent) and Sinha finished with 1,329 votes (10 percent).

Evans, who launched his re-election bid in January highlighting a dramatic reduction in violence and investment in affordable housing, was visibly emotional as he claimed victory at his watch party Tuesday night. He thanked supporters and pledged to continue building “a safer, stronger, more vibrant Rochester”.

Lupien conceded shortly after the results were clear, thanking her volunteers and supporters. She vowed to remain on the City Council and follow through on her priorities: public safety, housing, youth programs and what she has dubbed “Mary’s Guarantee,” a comprehensive basic-income proposal.

Sinha, the relative political newcomer, said he called Evans to offer his congratulations. He noted that his campaign emphasized community policing and affordable housing, and said he remains committed to civic engagement in Rochester.

Primary turnout lagged behind recent years. Official board figures showed approximately 12,000 ballots cast by 8 p.m., compared with roughly 20,000 voters in the 2021 and 2017 primaries.

Early voting was down 20 percent, leading officials to speculate that the region’s heatwave may have dampened participation

Evans now heads into the November general election virtually unopposed from within his party--with no Republican challenger. The race for Rochester’s mayoral seat is traditionally decided in the Democratic primary.