Brighton’s Robin Wilt Faces Primary Challenge, Champions Diversity Amid Local Controversies
Brighton Town Board Member Robin Wilt is seeking re-election despite not receiving the endorsement of the town's Democratic Committee, setting up a primary challenge that underscores divisions within the local party and broader questions of representation in local government.
Wilt, first elected to the board in 2017, has spent nearly eight years navigating the complexities of being a Black woman in local politics. As a first-generation American and the daughter of Caribbean immigrants, she has made it her mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring marginalized groups have a voice in decision-making processes.
Now serving her second term, Wilt is among three candidates vying for two open positions. She secured about 40% of the committee vote but failed to gain the majority needed for designation. The committee instead backed two candidates, including one with no prior elected office experience. Wilt argues this outcome reflects a broader trend in which establishment political structures favor the status quo over progressive candidates.
“I still think that I represent the position of the majority of Democrats in Brighton,” Wilt said. “That’s why I am running in the primary. It’s important that we give every Democrat in Brighton a voice, not just a small, hand-picked group.”
Wilt's accomplishments include spearheading the creation of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (ID&E) board, playing a key role in making Brighton the first municipality in Monroe County to hire a full-time chief diversity officer. She also pushed for the town’s Complete Streets policy, aimed at improving accessible infrastructure, and advocated for a resolution affirming Brighton’s commitment to not cooperating with federal immigration authorities.
However, her tenure has not been without controversy. A defining moment in Wilt’s political career came when she took a pro-Palestinian stance, sparking heated debate within the community.
"Human rights are not a zero-sum game," Wilt said in a recent interview with Minority Reporter.
She explained that advocating for Palestinian human rights does not diminish her support for the rights of others. As an African American woman, she said it was essential to stand for the rights of all people. “If people cared about human rights, it wouldn’t be controversial,” she added.
Some members of the Jewish community criticized her position, leading to a petition calling for her removal as chair of the ID&E Advisory Board. Despite the pushback, Wilt remains resolute in her belief that advocating for Palestinian human rights aligns with her broader commitment to justice.
“I've been mislabeled by a small segment of the population in Brighton,” Wilt said. “It pains me to no end to be considered antisemitic when I am the person who is responsible for creating the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Advisory Board.”
Wilt has also spoken about what she sees as a double standard for Black politicians in local politics. She argues that Black candidates and elected officials often face heightened scrutiny and are held to different expectations compared to their white counterparts.
"There are barriers that exist for Black politicians that don't exist for others," Wilt said. "When I advocate for equity and justice, I am labeled as divisive, but when others do the same, it is considered leadership." She believes this disparity contributes to systemic challenges that prevent greater representation of Black leaders in local government.
Reflecting on her political journey, Wilt said, “I’ve often been the one to hold up the mirror and ask if we are truly living our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It’s not always well-received, but it’s necessary work.”
Despite not receiving the Democratic Committee’s endorsement, Wilt remains confident she will secure a third term. However, the designation process has led her to question the dynamics at play in Brighton politics.
“The committee is very divided. There’s been an effort to pack it with people of a certain perspective,” she said. “I still represent the majority of Democrats in Brighton, and that’s why I’m running.”
Wilt’s commitment to equity is deeply personal. She recalled how her father, who immigrated from Guyana with just $40, was racially profiled in Brighton. The incident, in which he was wrongly accused of stealing gas, serves as a stark reminder of the discrimination she says persists in the community.
"Brighton is a community where African Americans are cited five times more than their white peers," Wilt said, citing a recent police department report. "It’s not like these things don’t still happen today."
Despite the challenges, Wilt remains undeterred. "I believe I have the support of the people," she said. "That’s why I’m contesting the primary." Wilt is gathering signatures and is confident she will exceed the 500 needed to secure a spot on the June 24 Democratic primary ballot. "We’ll see where the voters stand," she added.
“The Democratic Committee represents only 1% of Democrats in Brighton,” Wilt said. “The primary will be an opportunity to hear from all Democrats, not just the political elite. I am confident that when given the choice, voters will choose leadership that truly represents the values of our community.”
As the election approaches, Wilt’s legacy of championing marginalized voices, improving town infrastructure, and advocating for diversity and inclusion remain firmly intact. She has received endorsements from the New York Progressive Action Network and the Working Families Party.
Whether she secures the nomination or not, her work continues to shape her commitment to a more inclusive future for Brighton.
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