Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, left, with Westchester DA candidate William Wagstaff
On Jan. 17, William O. Wagstaff III, candidate for Westchester District Attorney, announced his campaign’s first endorsement from Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard.
“An unwavering champion of integrity and selflessness, William’s journey to Westchester County DA is a testament to his dedication,” Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said in her endorsement. “His commitment to serving with the utmost integrity is commendable. He has my unequivocal support in his pursuit of justice and a better community for all.”
“I am pleased and honored to announce the first official endorsement of my candidacy for District Attorney, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard,” said William Wagstaff. “It is a privilege to work with Mayor Patterson-Howard as her Special Counsel and Chair of her Judicial Appointments Committee, as well as to serve as the city’s Special Prosecutor for Police Discipline.”
“Providing Mayor Patterson-Howard with advice and counsel on issues of public safety, decisions on who has the qualifications and judicial temperament to serve on the bench, and holding police accountable have provided invaluable insight that will aid me in setting policy for the DA’s office,” Wagstaff added. “It is an incredible honor to have the unwavering support of the Mayor of my hometown and humbling that she continues to place her trust in me.”
The renowned civil rights and defense attorney also reported a total of $102,000 raised for his 2024 election campaign for Westchester District Attorney in the first filing period of the election cycle this Tuesday.
“The status quo fails to meet the needs of Westchester County, and the vast financial support for my candidacy illustrates our communities’ strong conviction in my ability to bring real change to make our communities safer, stronger, and fairer,” Wagstaff said. “Having raised more from individual contributors than any other declared candidate in this race shows that our county is ready for a change.”
“I am deeply thankful and honored by the diverse support received across Westchester County, neighbors who share the belief that the District Attorney’s office can be a vehicle for positive change,” added William Wagstaff, who would become Westchester’s first Black DA.
The announcement comes on the heels of Wagstaff announcing last week the formation of a Hate Crimes Advisory Board in a bid to address the sharp rise of hate and bias crimes across Westchester. The Advisory Board will provide assistance with Wagstaff’s plan to form Westchester County’s first dedicated Hate Crimes Bureau for the District Attorney’s Office.
Wagstaff is born and raised in Mount Vernon, and a lifelong Westchester resident. He is now raising two kids with his wife Christina.
For more information visit www.wagstaffforda.com.
