CANANDAIGUA, NY — Challenger Jason MacBride appears to have turned back incumbent Ontario County District Attorney James Ritts in the Republican primary for district attorney, according to unofficial results from the county Board of Elections.
But the district attorney said the race is too close to call at this point.
MacBride, who currently serves as an assistant county attorney, received 2,179 votes after the polls closed June 24.
Ritts received 2,064 votes.
In a statement released early Wednesday morning, MacBride said he is honored and humbled by the outpouring of support shown in this primary election.
“Republicans spoke loud and clear that they need a district attorney that is hardworking, respected by the entire criminal justice system and who is committed to always doing the right thing for victims,” MacBride stated. “There is still a long road to November. I will continue to earn the trust and support of all voters by listening and collaborating with those who want the best for our community.”
In a statement released after the votes were tallied Tuesday night, Ritts said the initial unofficial results “show us trailing by a very close 115-vote margin out of nearly 4,300 votes cast.”
“It is too early to concede the race, as we should wait for any standard review procedures by the Board of Elections, as well as additional absentee ballots to be received by mail in the coming days,” Ritts stated.
In launching his campaign in February, MacBride cited concerns over an internal investigation into a controversial courthouse election night party that involved costumes, alcohol, decorations, and karaoke. MacBride, formerly Ritts’ First Assistant DA, said the incident raised ethical concerns and motivated his candidacy.
Ritts has defended the event, stating it was a long-standing tradition started by his predecessor and only became controversial during his re-election bid.
Both candidates will be on the general election ballot in November regardless of the GOP primary result. Ritts has secured the Conservative Party line while MacBride secured the Truth and Justice line.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who edited our Weld Street Project and also did reporting for it. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: MacBride leads GOP primary for Ontario County DA; Ritts holds off on conceding
Reporting by Mike Murphy and Madison Scott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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