OUR CANDIDATES
OUR CANDIDATES
Our nominees are dedicated public servants who share our commitment to Democratic values and a stronger, more inclusive White Plains. Learn more about the candidates we're proud to support.
Running for White Plains Mayor
Justin C. Brasch, his wife and three children have lived in White Plains since 2003. Mr. Brasch is a graduate of Hunter College High School and Williams College and attended Oxford University during his junior year in college. He is also a graduate of the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Mr. Brasch is a partner at the Law Offices of Justin C. Brasch, a New York City firm, specializing in Landlord-Tenant, Leasing and Criminal Law.
Council Member Brasch is a member of the White Plains Budget and Management Advisory Committee and a former Council President and Chair of the Board of the White Plains Youth Bureau. Mr. Brasch has over thirty years of public service, which began at age seventeen, when he was an intern for then-Congressman Ted Weiss. Mr. Brasch is a former member of the White Plains Planning Board. He served for over ten years on the Westchester County Legislature's Citizens Budget Advisory Committee and was a member of the White Plains School Board Budget Advisory Committee and the White Plains Multi-Modal Transportation Center Stakeholder Task Force. Mr. Brasch is also a former member of the Executive Committee of the New York State Democratic Party.
Mr. Brasch has served in numerous leadership positions as a volunteer for a variety of non-profit, advocacy, and charitable organizations, including the Sierra Club and the NAACP. He is a member of the Hebrew Institute of White Plains and the Young Israel of White Plains. His wife, Juli Smith, is a lawyer in New York City and serves as a Commissioner of the White Plains Housing Authority.
Running for Westchester County Legislator, representing the 5th Legislative District
Jenn Puja is a lifelong advocate, a community connector, and a proud Westchester native. Whether advocating for local businesses, representing workers, or participating in events that uplift her district, Jenn’s deep connection to these communities is evident in every aspect of her life.
Jenn’s commitment to public service shines in her leadership roles. As the youngest woman elected to the White Plains Common Council, she’s tackled critical issues like affordable housing, sustainability, and prioritizing community benefits. Her work as Chair of the Recreation Advisory Committee and as an Advisory Board Member for Mount Sinai’s Selikoff Center for Occupational Health underscores her dedication to creating a healthier, more vibrant community for all with expanded access and added opportunities.
Professionally, Jenn serves as Executive Director of the Westchester/Putnam Central Labor Body AFL-CIO, representing over 100,000 working families. Through partnerships with community, religious, and social-justice organizations, she has championed efforts to uplift those in need and protect workers’ rights. Her contributions have earned her accolades such as City & State’s 40 Under 40 and Mount Sinai’s Person of the Year Award.
A summa cum laude graduate of Iona College for her bachelors degree in humanistic communication and summa cum laude graduate of Long Island University for her dual masters degree in Childhood Education and in Literacy, Jenn brings passion, knowledge, and a collaborative spirit to everything she does. Whether at demonstrations, in Council Chambers, or at community events, she remains steadfast in her mission to build a Westchester where everyone can thrive.
Running for White Plains Common Council
Since 2007, Council Member Richard Payne has been a downtown White Plains resident, where he lives with his wife, Lauren, herself a graduate of White Plains public schools.
Rich follows a long history of public service as a proud third generation elected official and spent 20 years as a civic emergency services volunteer, spending many dedicated years as an active firefighter and Volunteer Ambulance Corps member.
Prior to being elected to the Common Council, Rich was an appointed member of the White Plains Planning Board and the Downtown Transit District Task Force. He also helped shepherd Lime Bike, the city’s bike-share program, onto our streets. Rich helped launch the Downtown White Plains Criterium, a Pro/Am charity bicycle race held for five consecutive years on closed downtown streets that brought hundreds of cyclists to our city each year. Rich has been a member of the Westchester Cycle Club for over a decade, and has logged over 30,000 miles cycling in and around Westchester.
A graduate of Manhattanville College, Rich previously enjoyed a successful and exciting career as a ship’s captain, piloting merchant vessels as well as high-speed ferries in New York Harbor and the neighboring Atlantic Ocean. Rich currently holds an FAA Part 107 Pilot’s license and is actively flying for municipalities and government agencies in Rhode Island as a hobby.
Running for White Plains Common Council
Evelyn Santiago was born in East Harlem, New York, where her parents migrated during the Puerto Rican migration of the 1950s. She graduated from the City University of New York in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in Bilingual Education and with a minor in music. She later obtained her NYS Certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Long Island University. In 2004, she received her master’s degree in Instructional Technology from the New York Institute of Technology. In 2012, she received her Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Administration from SUNY New Paltz.
In 1990 Evelyn moved to White Plains with her husband and children, where she began her career in education in the fields of English as a Second Language, Science, and Instructional Technology. She has worked as an educator in New Rochelle, Port Chester, and White Plains. As a teacher, she became part of the White Plains Middle School PTA as a liaison and member of the Staff Development Center Committee. From 2005-2008, she became the District’s Instructional Technology Specialist. As a parent, she became part of her children’s PTAs, school-based councils, and various committees. She also became the co-chair of the Special Needs Committee of the White Plains PTA Council and served as its treasurer for two years. Evelyn retired in 2022 but remains with the White Plains Public School District as a part-time Homebound Instruction and ESL teacher.
From 1990 to the present, Evelyn has also devoted herself to representing the community to seek social and political empowerment for working people, union families, those in need of affordable housing, and members of the Hispanic community in a variety of positions. Her efforts have led to accolades in the community, including the following awards: Hispanic Democrats of Westchester Community Service Award (2017); Comité Noviembre Lo Mejor de Lo Nuestro Award (2021); White Plains Democratic City Committee Marilyn Stagg Award for Service to the White Plains Democratic Party (2023); and The Westchester Chapter of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) Outstanding Community Service Award (2023).
Evelyn enjoys her free time with Julio, her husband and partner of 43 years; their three adult children, Jason, Christine, and Brandon; their daughter-in-law, Daniela; and their granddaughter, Jaylin.
She hopes to bring her years of experience and an incredible network of people and resources to her service as a White Plains Council Member.
Running for White Plains Common Council
Nick Wolff is a lifelong White Plains resident, father of four, and proud “Pop” to five grandchildren. A graduate of White Plains schools and a member of the White Plains High School Hall of Fame for Community Service, Nick has dedicated his life to building up the city he calls home.
A third-generation real estate broker, Nick spent over five decades in the field, leading four top-producing companies with more than 150 agents. Since stepping back from the business, he has leaned even further into public service.
Appointed by the Mayor, Nick currently serves as Vice President of both the White Plains Housing Authority and the Business Improvement District. He sits on numerous community boards, including those of the White Plains Beautification Foundation, Thomas H. Slater Center, El Centro Hispano, the White Plains Library Foundation, Friends of White Plains Schools, Downtown Music at Grace Church, and the White Plains Rotary Club—where he is a past President and active member since 1980.
Nick’s passion for service touches all corners of the city. He co-chairs the Rotary Scholarship Committee, which awards over 20 scholarships annually to White Plains High School and Stepinac seniors. He volunteers with Ride Connect to help seniors get to medical appointments, mentors local youth through Grandpas United, and delivers food to dozens of households through the Theodore D. Young Community Center, the Salvation Army, El Centro Hispano, and Feeding Westchester.
One of Nick’s “sweetest” contributions to the community is his longtime tradition of spinning and selling cotton candy at local events, with all proceeds donated to the organizations he supports. For over 20 years, this gesture has helped fund art scholarships through the White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival, supported Friends of White Plains Schools during July 4th celebrations, and raised money for the PTA at White Plains High School football games, the Slater Center Holiday Fair, and Housing Authority Family Day. During the holiday season, Nick can be seen in his Santa suit ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at Stop & Shop and bringing gifts and cheer to White Plains Child Daycare. He also brings joy to school events, the city’s Holiday Market, and the annual tree lighting at Renaissance Park.
Westchester County Legislator,
Representing the 8th District
Jewel Williams Johnson proudly serves as the Westchester County Legislator representing the 8th Legislative District (White Plains, Greenburgh, Elmsford & Tarrytown), where she is now in her second term after succeeding her mother, the Hon. Alfreda Williams, in 2021. A trailblazer in her own right, Legislator Williams Johnson made history as the first freshman legislator since the Board’s inception to Chair the powerful Committee on Budget & Appropriations. She also leads the Health Sub-Committee and the Non-Profit Taskforce, and serves as Vice Chair of the Committee on Human Services, in addition to active roles on the committees for Housing & Planning, Labor & Human Rights, Public Works & Transportation, and the Families Taskforce. Her commitment to public health extends beyond legislation; she serves on the Westchester County Board of Health and Community Services Board, and on the New York State Association of Counties' Medicaid & Human Services and Public Health & Mental Health Standing Committees. Under her leadership, critical issues like mental health access, maternal health disparities, food insecurity among college students, and the reopening of County mental health clinics have taken center stage. She was also the primary sponsor of two landmark bills: the Gun Safety Signage Law and the Flavored Tobacco Ban.
Deeply rooted in public service, Legislator Williams Johnson has dedicated her life to civic engagement and social justice. She is a past president of the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus, founder of the WBWPC Run Lead Strategy Laboratory, and a district leader with the Greenburgh Democratic Committee. Her past leadership includes service as Vice President of the White Plains-Greenburgh NAACP, Mentor Coordinator at Highview Elementary School, and advisory board roles with WCLA – Choice Matters and the Greenburgh Arts & Culture Board. She is also a guest lecturer on politics at Lehman College and an occasional contributor to The Westchester County Press. Professionally, she brings more than 14 years of administrative expertise from Columbia University Irving Medical Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. A proud product of the Greenburgh Central School District, Legislator Williams Johnson resides in Greenburgh with her husband Lacy Johnson, her mother, and their beloved Dalmatian, Jasper—deeply honored to serve the community she calls home.
Running for Westchester County Executive
Committed to public service and promoting democracy, safety, education, community engagement, and innovative uses of technology ,Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkin took office in January 2025. Jenkins is the first black County Executive in Westchester history.
Before this historic role, Jenkins served as Deputy County Executive under George Latimer, where he played a key role in advancing important countywide initiatives. Prior to that, he was a distinguished member of the Westchester County Board of Legislators from February 2007 until December 2017, serving four years as Chairman and championing policies that shaped the region’s growth and inclusivity.
Jenkins has worked to cut taxes, build affordable housing, protect a woman’s right to choose, reduce crime, secure tax breaks for veterans, restore aging infrastructure and protect the environment. Ever committed to public service, Jenkins has championed the needs of middle-class families, earning a reputation as a fierce advocate for his constituents through his relentless dedication.
The proud son of a New York City police officer and a nurse, Jenkins is a former Boy Scout and Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 32. He is an alumnus of Fordham Preparatory School and Iona University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems. He and his wife, Deborah Hudson-Jenkins, have called Yonkers home since their marriage in 1982. They are the proud parents of three adult children—Alana, Jamal, and Terrell—and doting grandparents.
Jenkins built an extensive career in telecommunications and technology, holding key roles at leading companies such as Apple, AT&T, Bell Atlantic, New York Telephone (Verizon), NYNEX and Seer Technologies. He also gained valuable sales experience, as an owner and broker, during his tenure at ERA Gem Realty, further enhancing his expertise in the real estate sector.
Jenkins’ extensive public and community involvement includes board service with the Greyston Foundation, United Way, Westchester County District Attorney’s Community Advisory Committee, Westchester County Crime Stoppers and the Community Planning Council of Yonkers. He served as President of the Yonkers Branch of the NAACP and the Yonkers Community Action Program.
A longstanding member of the Democratic Party, Jenkins has held various leadership positions, including: Treasurer of the New York State Democratic Committee, Chairman of the Yonkers Democratic Committee, Chairman of the Black Democrats of Westchester and Secretary of the Westchester County Democratic Committee, in addition to serving on its Executive Committee. He has also shared his political insights as a frequent analyst on News 12 Westchester.
The proud son of a New York City police officer and a nurse, Jenkins is a former Boy Scout and Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 32. He is an alumnus of Fordham Preparatory School and Iona University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems. He and his wife, Deborah Hudson-Jenkins, have called Yonkers home since their marriage in 1982. They are the proud parents of three adult children—Alana, Jamal, and Terrell—and doting grandparents.
Running for Westchester County Clerk
Thomas M. Roach is the Mayor of White Plains, New York, has served as Mayor of White Plains since 2011. Under his leadership, the City's credit rating has improved to AA1 stable, and its budgets have consistently been under the State tax cap since its introduction. In his previous role as a White Plains Councilman, Tom was instrumental in drafting legislation to ban high-sulfur heating fuel on construction sites, setting the stage for his ongoing commitment to sustainability.
As Mayor, Tom has led a wide range of environmental initiatives, including banning the dirtiest heating oils, creating Westchester County’s first dedicated bike lanes (including the county’s first protected bike lane), and establishing a network of electric-vehicle charging stations in municipal parking facilities. White Plains was recently awarded Silver Level certification in the Climate Smart Communities program—the highest tier. Only three of New York’s 62 cities have earned this distinction, underscoring Tom’s leadership in driving this important effort.
The City now operates a fleet of electric vehicles and will soon welcome an electric garbage truck. Under his direction, White Plains also capped its long-closed local landfill, marking a significant environmental milestone. His partnership with the New York Power Authority led to the installation of solar panels on City-owned properties, tripling the amount of solar energy produced in Westchester County, while providing sustainable energy, raising revenue, and offering discounted power to people of low income.
Tom’s dedication to affordable housing is evident through the development of hundreds of new affordable units and the revamping of White Plains's Affordable Rental Housing Program. The city has earned the designation of "Pro Housing Community" by the State of New York, one of the first communities to receive this recognition. Additionally, Tom has overseen the creation of a transit development district around the train station, enhancing multi-modal transportation and fostering mixed-use development.
Before entering public service, Tom had a distinguished legal career, starting with the Legal Aid Society in the Bronx, followed by private practice as a trial attorney in Westchester County. He earned his degree from UAlbany and his law degree from the University of Buffalo Law School and was the first person in his family to earn a four-year degree.
Recently, Tom’s leadership was honored with two prestigious awards: the National Award for Local Arts Leadership by Americans for the Arts and the Harvey Milk Excellence in Public Service Award by UAlbany. These accolades reflect his unwavering dedication to cultural growth and public service.
Born in White Plains, Tom resides in the Westminster Ridge neighborhood of the city. He has served as President of both the Westchester Municipal Officials Association and the New York Conference of Mayors, and currently sits on the executive and environmental committees of both organizations. He is a member of the US Conference of Mayors, serving on its environmental committee and the Mayors Water Council, and is also on the steering committee for Climate Mayors. A cancer survivor and marathon runner, Tom is known for his resilience, determination, and sense of humor in both his personal and professional life.
Running for Westchester County Surrogate Court Judge
Surrogate Sall graduated from the University of Miami in 1982, and thereafter from the Benjamin N.Cardozo School of Law in 1985. From October 2014 until he became Surrogate in June 2015, Judge Sall was formerly the managing member of the White Plains law firm of Sall, Geist, Schwarz & Jellinek, PLLC. Prior to that, Judge Sall was a partner in Sall & Geist from 2012 to 2014. Prior to the formation of Sall & Geist in January 2012, Judge Sall was a partner in Schuman & Sall from 1992 to 2002 and of counsel to the Yonkers law firm of Rabin, Panero and Schuman from November 1988 to July 1992. Additionally, until June, 2015, Judge Sall was a partner in the White Plains law firm, Gellert & Rodner, which specializes in tax certiorari matters.
Judge Sall specialized in trusts and estates and real estate law and had a significant transactional and litigation practice. In 2002, Judge Sall became general counsel to the Westchester County Public Administrator and served until June, 2015.
From 2008 to 2015, Judge Sall was a board member of the New York State Thruway Authority and served as the chairman of the Blue Ribbon Selection Committee that chose the winning bidder for the Tappan Zee Hudson River Crossing.
In May, 2015, Judge Sall was appointed by the Hon. Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, as Surrogate of Westchester County and was thereafter elected Surrogate of Westchester County in November, 2015.
In 2018, Judge Sall became a member of the Statewide ADR Advisory Committee, which has been tasked with formulating policies for the implementation of ADR throughout the court system in New York State.
Judge Sall is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Westchester County Bar Association as well as the Trusts and Estates sections of the New York State Bar Association and
Westchester County Bar Association.
Running for Westchester County Court Judge
Judge Erin O’Shea McGoey currently sits as a Greenburgh Town Judge, having been elected in Nov. 2021. She has nearly 20 years of legal experience in various roles including Deputy General Counsel at the MTA, Assistant Westchester County Attorney, Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Yonkers, and time in private practice. In addition to being a Town Judge, she also currently serves as the Deputy Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities. Judge McGoey is a lifelong Westchester resident and is currently raising her family in Ardsley. She is a devoted wife and mother of 3 children.
Running for Westchester Family Court Judge
Attorney Emily Rubin has over 27 years of comprehensive experience in matrimonial and family law litigation including divorce actions from intake to settlement or trial, proceedings for support, child custody (including UCCJEA and Hague matters), family offense proceedings, post-judgment enforcement, modifications, and relocation proceedings.
Emily brings not only comprehensive legal experience but also compassion and composure to her candidacy. She is an active member of her community who volunteers frequently with her synagogue and the Humane Society of Westchester, and has been a District Leader with the New Rochelle Democratic Committee for the last 10 years. She is a proud “baseball” mom and devoted wife, raising her family in New Rochelle.
OUR CANDIDATES
Get Involved
Whether you’re interested in attending a monthly meeting, running for office, canvassing during campaign season, or volunteering at a community outreach event, there are many meaningful ways to get involved with the White Plains Democratic City Committee. Join us in advancing Democratic values, supporting local candidates, and making a lasting impact in our city.
VOTE IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ON JUNE 24TH