The2023 Erie County, New York Executive election took place on November 7, 2023, to select the County Executive ofErie County, New York. Incumbent Democratic County Executive Mark Poloncarz ran for re-election to a fourth term,[1] which he said would be his last.[2] He was challenged by businesswoman Chrissy Casilio, the Republican nominee.[3]
During the campaign, Poloncarz weathered controversy when a woman he was dating alleged that he physically restrained her prior to the end of their relationship,[4] though charges were ultimately not filed,[5] and for awarding a contract to another woman he was dating.[6][7] Casilio herself faced scandal when she was caught onTwitter spreading false conspiracy theories surrounding the2020 U.S. Presidential Election andDamar Hamlin's on-field cardiac arrest.[8]
Poloncarz easily defeated Casilio to win his fourth term in a landslide, receiving 59 percent of the vote.[9]
Poloncarz announced that he would seek a record fourth term as County Executive,[10] and he initially faced a challenge from formerGrand Island Town Supervisor Nate McMurray, who narrowly lost a2018 congressional campaign to Republican CongressmanChris Collins. McMurray criticized Poloncarz's plans to seek a fourth term, arguing that "executives are not supposed to have a lifetime position" and that he would campaign against the "status quo."[11]
McMurray attracted criticism for telling Poloncarz that "Eric County sucks" at a meeting of the Erie County Democratic Party, which county party chairmanJeremy Zellner called "appalling." McMurray followed up on his remarks, noting, "I love Erie County. That's why I was [at the meeting] in the first place. But its current state is not good. And that's because of Mark [Poloncarz]."[12] McMurray dropped out of the race shortly thereafter, saying that he couldn't "beat Mark in this system."[13]
Following McMurray's withdrawal from the race, Poloncarz won the Democratic nomination unopposed.
Three candidates sought the nomination of the Republican Party: Erie County ClerkMickey Kearns, a Democrat;Boston Town Supervisor Jason Keding; and businesswoman Chrissy Casilio, the daughter ofClarence Town Supervisor Patrick Casilio.[14] Kearns, who faced some opposition over his refusal to formally switch parties,[14] ultimately dropped out of the race, citing family considerations.[15] Casilio was ultimately selected as the nominee.[16]
