Florence Campaigns Allege Bias in Ballot Objections by Party Leader

Several Democratic candidates of color are raising concerns about what they describe as discriminatory practices by Monroe County Democratic Committee Chairman Stephen DeVay, after he filed general objections to their campaign petitions last week.

Mayoral Candidate Clifford Florence Sr. (middle) and his son, Clifford Florence Jr. (right), a Rochester City Council candidate, held a press conference Friday, April 11, 2025, laying out claims of racial bias from Monroe County Democratic Chairman Stephen DeVay

Clifford A. Florence Sr., a mayoral candidate in Rochester, and his son, Clifford A. Florence Jr., a City Council candidate held a press conference Friday at F.I.G.H.T. Village, where they laid out allegations of bias from DeVay.

The father-son duo made history on April 3 by filing petitions together—an unprecedented move in Monroe County politics. Their candidacies, supported by grassroots organizers, are now under scrutiny by party leadership.

According to the candidates, DeVay filed 18 of the 25 general objections submitted in the county this election cycle, with 12 targeting Black candidates, two against Latino candidates, and four against two white women—mayoral candidate Mary Lupien and her chief of staff, City Council candidate Kellie Cheatle.\

“It appears that Mr. DeVay is only interested in preserving the candidate of his choosing and contesting the process for all others,” said Florence Sr., who referenced the legacy of his father, civil rights leader Minister Franklin Florence Sr., in condemning what he called modern-day voter suppression.

Florence Jr. questioned the chairman’s apparent double standard, noting that DeVay has not challenged the petition of Jeff McCann, a white male and Deputy County Executive under County Executive Adam Bello. McCann is running for Greece Town Supervisor with the endorsement of both the Democratic and Conservative parties—a cross-endorsement that Florence Jr. says should raise red flags.

“The Conservative Party supports Donald Trump,” said Florence Jr. “Why isn’t that a concern for Mr. DeVay, and why is he instead focused on blocking candidates of color?”

Ann C. Lewis, a City Council candidate who successfully fought off a petition challenge in 2024, also criticized the cost of defending ballot access. “Having to spend our hard-earned funds to protect our civil rights to participate in democracy has grown weary,” she said.

In response to the allegations, DeVay stated that the objections were filed based on legal grounds concerning the validity of the petitions, not the race or background of the candidates. He emphasized that the majority of the endorsed Democratic slate for the current election cycle includes candidates from minority backgrounds. Specifically, he noted that out of nine city seats up for election, eight are held by individuals who are Black, Latino, or from other minority communities.

Click below to see the full list of candidates the Florence's say DeVay has filed against:

Listing of Candaidates Filed Against By Devay.pdf

Download PDF • 99KB