Florence Campaigns Allege Bias in Ballot Objections by Party Leader
- Dave McCleary
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Several Democratic candidates of color are raising concerns about what they describe as discriminatory practices by Monroe County Democratic Committee Chairman Stephen DeVay, after he filed general objections to their campaign petitions last week.
Clifford A. Florence Sr., a mayoral candidate in Rochester, and his son, Clifford A. Florence Jr., a City Council candidate held a press conference Friday at F.I.G.H.T. Village, where they laid out allegations of bias from DeVay.
The father-son duo made history on April 3 by filing petitions together—an unprecedented move in Monroe County politics. Their candidacies, supported by grassroots organizers, are now under scrutiny by party leadership.
According to the candidates, DeVay filed 18 of the 25 general objections submitted in the county this election cycle, with 12 targeting Black candidates, two against Latino candidates, and four against two white women—mayoral candidate Mary Lupien and her chief of staff, City Council candidate Kellie Cheatle.\
“It appears that Mr. DeVay is only interested in preserving the candidate of his choosing and contesting the process for all others,” said Florence Sr., who referenced the legacy of his father, civil rights leader Minister Franklin Florence Sr., in condemning what he called modern-day voter suppression.
Florence Jr. questioned the chairman’s apparent double standard, noting that DeVay has not challenged the petition of Jeff McCann, a white male and Deputy County Executive under County Executive Adam Bello. McCann is running for Greece Town Supervisor with the endorsement of both the Democratic and Conservative parties—a cross-endorsement that Florence Jr. says should raise red flags.
“The Conservative Party supports Donald Trump,” said Florence Jr. “Why isn’t that a concern for Mr. DeVay, and why is he instead focused on blocking candidates of color?”
Ann C. Lewis, a City Council candidate who successfully fought off a petition challenge in 2024, also criticized the cost of defending ballot access. “Having to spend our hard-earned funds to protect our civil rights to participate in democracy has grown weary,” she said.
In response to the allegations, DeVay stated that the objections were filed based on legal grounds concerning the validity of the petitions, not the race or background of the candidates. He emphasized that the majority of the endorsed Democratic slate for the current election cycle includes candidates from minority backgrounds. Specifically, he noted that out of nine city seats up for election, eight are held by individuals who are Black, Latino, or from other minority communities.
Click below to see the full list of candidates the Florence's say DeVay has filed against:
Let’s call this article what it really is: a desperate attempt to spin accountability into racism and criticism into victimhood. Steve DeVay is not a racist. That accusation is not only baseless it’s a calculated distraction from the real issue: the chaos and games being played by people who are more interested in optics than integrity. It is you all who are the problem. The ones stirring the pot, slinging wild accusations, and propping up candidates who can’t handle basic vetting or, in some cases, even articulate their platforms effectively due to struggles with the English language. Take all of that oil off your face, you fool. Let’s not pretend this is about justice, democracy, or civil rights. It’s about…
Who's Zoomin' Who? They do what they do because they know that they can. They know that the so-called black community (aka, black/brown people) in Rochester, NY, is fueled by illusions, not by collective consciousness, and strategic measures and practices designed to cultivate Cultural Power.
If true, then why the hell is Devay the chair of the county Democratic Committee? Shouldn't it be led by his own confession of "majority minority" leadership in elected positions? Oh that's right, Devay, Bello and Morelle are all white. Nevermind. "Devay emphasized that the majority of the endorsed Democratic slate for the current election cycle includes candidates from minority backgrounds. Specifically, he noted that out of nine city seats up for election, eight are held by individuals who are Black, Latino, or from other minority communities."
To listen, click on the link below, and then, click on this symbol ⧁, right above the title.
https://medium.com/@howardjeagle/an-open-letter-to-ms-519de0adcbac
To listen, click on the link below, and then, click on this symbol ⧁, right above the title.
https://medium.com/@howardjeagle/an-open-letter-to-ms-519de0adcbac