‘A change is coming’ Former RPD chief Singletary formally announces run at Congress

Andrew Hyman

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Former Rochester Police Chief La’Ron Singletary officially announced his run for Congress from the Rochester area Thursday morning.

Joined by former politicians like former Senator Joe Robach in a news conference in downtown Rochester, Singletary started off by saying "a change is coming" and said the day is the beginning of a journey that will bring "hope" to the county.

Singletary, a lifelong Democrat, registered as a Republican candidate for New York’s 25th Congressional District, where he will be up against incumbent Democrat Joe Morelle. Singletary made the switch in August.

Monroe County Republican Party Chairman Bernie Iacovangelo teased Singletary’s run earlier this week. When asked directly by News10NBC, the former chief himself would not exactly confirm or deny.

You can watch his announcement in the player below. Mobile users click here.

[News10NBC]

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His pending candidacy became more of a definite Wednesday night, when News10NBC learned on the Federal Election Commission website, "La’Ron Desmond Singletary" is now listed after having filed on Monday. And his campaign website is up.

In his Thursday address, he discussed conversations with both Robach and Iacovangelo as part of what sparked his interest in making a run.

"I don’t believe in politicians, I believe in public servants," Singletary said.

Singletary comes to the race next year, after turmoil last year.

He was fired by Mayor Lovely Warren as her administration faced protest over the death of Daniel Prude in police custody, and accusations of a cover-up. The former chief is currently suing the city in response.

On his website, Singletary’s platform promises strong support for public safety saying, "we cannot demonize, demoralize, nor defund our police departments and then turn around and ask for better policing."

He also advocates for the enforcement of immigration laws, gun rights, less regulations for businesses and more choices for healthcare and for parents seeking schools for their kids.

"It should not be a right issue or a left issue," Singletary said. "It should be an American issue because everyone has a right to feel safe in their neighborhoods."

Following Singletary’s announcement, Rep. Morelle sent out a statement, but did not address Singletary by name:

"There will be a time for politics, but that day is hardly today. I remain focused on providing the real solutions that hardworking families in our community deserve.

“Right now, I am taking action to strengthen our economy and rebuild our nation’s infrastructure, ensure the safety of our neighborhoods, protect access to affordable healthcare, and lower the cost of prescription drugs. I am committed to delivering results
for Monroe County.”

The Monroe County Democratic Party told News10NBC it won’t be commenting about next year’s race until it finishes work on this year’s.