An update from Kathryn

Yesterday, I decided to withdraw my petitions to get on the ballot for the Democratic primary for Irondequoit Town Board. This was was an incredibly difficult decision. It also wasn’t a simple one.

As many of you know, my petitions were challenged in court by Irondequoit Democratic Committee Chair, Joe Morelle Jr. and his father’s organization. My campaign submitted far more than the number of signatures required, and the Board of Elections found that I had well above the threshold to qualify for the ballot.

But the legal challenge went far beyond technical issues. It included allegations of fraud. I was given a choice: if I withdrew, the matter would end; if I continued, the matter would potentially be referred for criminal investigation. I could not put my family or volunteers through a legal fight that would take up the duration of the primary election, so I made the gut wrenching decision to resolve the case and withdraw my petitions. I want to be very clear: there was no ruling that our petitions were fraudulent. That question was never decided by a court. My campaign was honorable and ethical. But when a grassroots campaign is up against a well-resourced machine, the playing field is anything but fair. 

Despite my disappointment, I am full of hope. We began to build something real, something that’s just getting started. We knocked on doors, had meaningful conversations, and earned the support of hundreds of voters across this community who wanted a choice for the primary election. People from across the community have come together because they are sick of the status quo and insider games that trickle down to hurt everyday people. 

This experience says something bigger about how our system works, especially for people who are not backed by established political power. 

I am incredibly grateful to every person who signed, volunteered, donated, and believed in this campaign. You showed what’s possible here, and this is not the end. Stay tuned.

For now, thank you. Truly.