Thomas declares victory in Mt. Vernon mayoral primary
MOUNT VERNON – City Councilman Richard Thomas declared victory in the Democratic mayoral primary election in Mount Vernon on September 10.
Five candidates ran but Rich Thomas was the only one not belonging to the old guard generation. He offered a message of meaningful change in a City of
With 82% of the votes in:
-Richard Thomas 39%
-Ernie Davis 24%
-Ruth Hassell-Thompson 18%
– Maureen Walker 11%
– Clinton Young 7%
Thomas and incumbent Mayor Ernie Davis publicly traded barbs in the week leading up to the primary. Thomas talked of “starting a new chapter and looking to bring some new ideas, new energy, new leadership to the city.”
Thomas jumped out to an early lead, and his votes kept rolling in from around Mt Vernon, announcing his victory just before 10:30 p.m.
“This victory confirms we really need a partnership in City Hall,” Thomas said during his victory speech. He thanked his wife and the community and pledged to bring new initiatives to the city.
WABC7 Westchester reporter Cefaan Kim tweeted, “Political stunner. My prediction way off. Mt. Vernon voters voting for someone young and relatively new.”
Bronx state senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson got swept up in the Thomas tsunami. Hassell-Thompson will return to the New York State Senate where she is expected to finish her political career before retiring at the end of her term in 2016.
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