Final Count In; Thomas Sued County Over Democratic Primary

MOUNT VERNON, NY — With the affidavit and absentee ballots counted, Shawyn Patterson-Howard pulled even further ahead of incumbent Richard Thomas in the Democratic primary for mayor. The Westchester Board of Elections announced a final vote count of 2,384 for Patterson-Howard and 2,175 for Thomas.

Thomas, who has insisted there were voting irregularities, had already sued the Westchester Board of Elections, The Journal News reported. The suit against the other primary candidates and the BOE commissioners seeks a court review and voting records.

The vote margins remained roughly the same. Patterson-Howard received 33% of the vote and Thomas about 30%.

Former police commissioner Clyne Isley received 20% of the vote and current City Council President Andre Wallace 17%. Wallace, however, will be on the ballot in November on the Republican line.

"The ballots have been counted, and the people of Mount Vernon have spoken," Shawyn Patterson-Howard said in a written statement. "According to the Board of Elections final tally, we won 2,384 or 33% of the votes. My historic victory heralds a transformation in our beloved city. I’m grateful for the trust and support of my fellow Mount Vernonites. I promise to govern with integrity and provide Mount Vernon with a stable and progressive administration that supports its people and helps us all rise.

"My team and I are moving forward with plans for the general election and beyond. It's time to begin the work of restoring trust in local government, and rebuilding our infrastructure and community resources, including Memorial Field. We’re looking ahead and creating partnerships with officials at the local, county, state and federal levels to strengthen and build Mount Vernon for the future. I have a comprehensive plan for transforming Mount Vernon, and we want the entire city to join us. Let’s move forward together."

The first woman and person of color appointed President and CEO of the YMCA of Yonkers, Patterson-Howard served as the city's planning commissioner.