Minister Clifford Florence Sr. Launches Write-In Mayoral Campaign with Community Rally

Rochester, N.Y. — On October 14, 2025, Minister Clifford A. Florence Sr. will hold a public campaign event as a write-in candidate for mayor at the Inner Faith Gospel Tabernacle, located at 601 Jay Street. Florence—son of the late civil rights leader Rev. Franklin Florence—has positioned himself as a community-centered alternative in Rochester’s 2025 mayoral race.

In recent months, Florence’s campaign has faced obstacles: he was removed from the primary ballot via objections from Monroe County Democratic leadership, a move he and his supporters have characterized as discriminatory. Despite that, he continues his candidacy by urging voters to cast write-in ballots in the general election.

The October 14 gathering at Inner Faith Gospel Tabernacle is expected to serve several purposes: launching or reinforcing Florence’s message to voters, soliciting campaign volunteers and donations, and mobilizing support within religious and community circles.

Florence’s candidacy emerges against a backdrop of a competitive mayoral field that includes incumbents and conventional party-backed candidates. The 2025 Rochester mayoral election is scheduled for November 4, 2025, following a Democratic primary held on June 24. Official candidate slots include mayoral contenders such as Malik Evans (seeking reelection), Mary Lupien, and Shashi Sinha.