Narrowly Beats Rocah 52%-48%
By Dan Murphy
Westchester County Democrats gathered last week for their convention and endorsed District Attorney Anthony Scarpino for re-election. Scarpino, who is seeking a second term as D.A., got 52 percent of the democratic vote from district leaders across the county, while his opponent, Mimi Rocah, got 48 percent, in a contest that many had thought would not be that close.
The two are now certainly headed toward a democratic primary June 23. Scarpino, as he did at the convention, will run on his record over the past three years that have seen a wide reduction in crime in Westchester and an array of progressive, criminal initiatives passed under his watch.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive the endorsement of the Westchester County Democratic Committee,” he said. “I am grateful to Chairman Reggie Lafayette, his executive committee and all the Democratic district leaders for participating in this critical process and for the faith they have placed in me to represent this party as the Democratic nominee for Westchester district attorney
“I have spent my career serving Westchester as a Democrat because I believe in the higher calling of public service and have a progressive vision for the justice system,” continued Scarpino.” The District Attorney’s Office is the front line of most of our county’s most pressing challenges such as violence, illegal guns and substance abuse. But it’s also an opportunity to make a true impact on people’s lives, which is why I’ve been committed to policies like ending low-level marijuana prosecutions, creating a School Safety Commission, fighting hate crimes and prioritizing treatment for people with substance abuse disorder instead of incarceration. But there is much more work to do to make our county safer and our justice system fairer. That’s why I’m running for re-election.”
Many of the most prominent Democratic elected officials in Westchester have endorsed Scarpino for reelection, citing his experience, success at making Westchester safer, and his implementation of progressive policies.
“I’m honored to endorse my friend Tony Scarpino for re-election as Westchester district attorney,” said Westchester County Clerk Tim Idoni. “Tony has served Westchester County for decades. He has proven to be one of the most progressive district attorneys in New York State and his vision for the office has led to a 20 percent reduction in violent crime during his tenure. I urge my fellow Westchester Democrats to join me in voting for Tony Scarpino in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, June 23.”
State Sen. Shelley Mayer also said she is proud to endorse Scarpino.
“Tony has been a devoted servant of the diverse communities of Westchester for decades,” he said. “He brings a firm and steady hand to the District Attorney’s Office and a progressive vision of justice. The School Safety Commission he created has made classrooms across Westchester safer and more secure and is a model for other communities. He’s also taken decisive action to remove guns from our county.”
State Sen. Peter Harckham also threw his support behind Scarpino.
“Among his many accomplishments, Tony has been a vital partner in the state’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis,” said Harckham. “By supporting judicial diversion programs and successfully advocating for hub drug courts, Tony has been instrumental in helping those with Opioid Use Disorder and other substance abuse disorders to receive the treatment they need in a health care setting, not a jail.”
“I’m endorsing Westchester D.A. Tony Scarpino because he is a proven leader with a progressive record,” added Assemblymember Amy Paulin. “As D.A., Tony stands up for the most vulnerable residents of Westchester and has been a reliable partner in my efforts to combat human trafficking.”
Additionally, Scarpino has been endorsed by the vast majority of local democratic committees who have voted to choose a candidate, including those in North Castle, Mt. Kisco, Rye Town, Somers, White Plains, Yonkers and Yorktown.
One of the primary issues in the race for Westchester D.A. will be an examination of Scarpino’s record, especially in the large, progressive portion of the democratic electorate. Scarpino and his campaign will argue that he is one of New York State’s most progressive prosecutors, based on placing an emphasis on alternatives to incarceration for minor offenses and a greater focus on serious crimes such as gun violence, sexual abuse and corruption.
His office does not request bail for most nonviolent misdemeanors, so individuals are not forced to needlessly await trial behind bars because they can’t afford bail. As a result, hundreds of non-violent people charged with misdemeanors have been kept out of jail, improving community outcomes and reducing taxpayer expense.
Scarpino also stopped prosecuting the possession of small amounts of marijuana (up to 2 ounces), as these prosecutions have disproportionately impacted communities of color for generations, leaving countless people with life-altering criminal records, he said.
“I view the District Attorney’s Office as a vehicle for change,” said Scarpino. “My role is not just to prosecute cases, but to advocate for and empower those who feel they have no voice. I hope Westchester Democrats will join Assemblymember Paulin and dozens of other respected Westchester leaders in helping me advance this progressive vision of justice and voting for me in the Democratic primary on June 23.”
Scarpino has been aggressive on the issue of human trafficking. He’s also been a staunch advocate for reforms that protect survivors of trafficking, particularly children.
Scarpino’s special prosecutions division chief serves as co-chairperson of the Westchester Anti Trafficking Task Force, a partnership including multiple levels of government, law enforcement, advocates and community leaders charged with designing and implementing anti-trafficking protocols and identifying and assisting victims of trafficking through proactive investigations.
Additionally, Scarpino successfully fought for a state law that created a new crime called Sex Trafficking of a Child, which makes it easier for prosecutors to prove a child is a trafficking victim. He also worked directly with Paulin to pass a law that allows prostitution cases pending before local criminal courts to be transferred to courts that specialize in human trafficking cases, ensuring fairness and justice for victims.
Since 2016, crime is down in Westchester in all areas, including murder (down 33 percent), robberies (down 57 percent), aggravated assault (down 19 percent), rape (down 24 percent), larceny (down 30 percent), burglary (down 57 percent), motor vehicle theft (down 31 percent) and total violent crime (down 20 percent)
After the convention, Rocah touted the results. “Last night was inspiring. My supporters and their energy power this campaign and we shocked the entrenched machinery of incumbency. These numbers are a resounding call for change and for a new D.A. who will do better for all of Westchester,” said Rocah.
“For an incumbent who has been a political insider for 30 years to come away with this low a percentage of the vote shows just how out of touch and vulnerable he is. We went from 0 to 48% in less than two months, and in five months, we’re going to finish what we started by winning the primary in June.”
