The City of Newburgh Democratic primary will include candidates Omari Shakur, Gay Lee, Bryan J. Luna, Anusha B. Mehar and Robert D. McLymore. Shakur seeks re-election while Lee seeks to return and serve with the current board. Luna, Mehar and McLymore enter the race as first-time candidates. A candidate forum has been announced for Wednesday, June 14 to begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. The location of the forum has been announced as the city recreation center at 401 Washington Street. Early voting will take place on June 17, with the primary on June 27.

For the upcoming election cycle, five Democratic candidates will seek two city council at-large seats. One was previously held by Councilman Anthony Grice, while the other is currently held by Shakur seeking re-election. According to Orange County, two Republican candidates, Christine M. Bello and Donald E Rehrey Jr., are also seeking the at-large seats in this year’s election. The mayor seat held by Torrance Harvey has also become available this year as well with Republican John N. Giudice seeking the seat.

First time candidate McLymore has announced that he has been endorsed by current Councilman Robert Sklarz of Ward 3 and Councilwoman Patty Sofokles of Ward 4. McLymore will be running on the Democratic line and will seek the seat individually. “This is a critical time for us as a city to make improvements to our public safety, strengthen our infrastructure and continue to expand the growth of our economy,” said McLymore via email. “With my 22 years in law enforcement and 46 years as a Newburgh resident, it is my desire to use my experience to better the quality of life for all in our community. This election is vital to the strength, unity, growth and safety of our residents. I pledge to represent All of Newburgh.”

Born and raised in the city, Luna has felt motivated to run for office this year in hopes of giving back to his community, combat displacement, support small businesses and advocate for community resources and tenants rights. Luna will be running on the Democratic line and has received endorsement from Orange County Legislator Kevindaryán Luján for his campaign. “I wanted to make sure that I was in a better space, that I was more informed and well-versed on the issues that really matter to my community,” said Luna. “I’m feeling great about this [heading to primary]. It’s been a long road. The momentum is picking up.”

First time Democratic candidate Mehar has announced that she has received endorsements from the Working Families Party, the housing tenant advocacy group For the Many, Orange County Legislator Genesis Ramos and Councilwoman Ramona Monteverde. Mehar will also be running on the Working Families line this fall. “I feel mentally in a great place and very uplifted and supported by the community that I’ve had the honor to connect with,” said Mehar. “The role of a city councilperson, in my opinion, is that of a public servant. I hope to build more progressive politics in our city that are representative of the diverse community that lives here and that is whether or not I am elected to council.”

Current Councilman Shakur seeks re-election to the At-Large seat this fall. Shakur has announced that he has no endorsements at this time and he instead seeks endorsement from the residents and voters of the city. “The City of Newburgh needs someone that understands the needs of the citizens as well as the needs of the diverse communities.I understand the importance of being accessible to the communities and city that I serve,” said Shakur. “I am always walking the streets of Newburgh, before and after the campaigning. I’m a familiar face for anyone in the City of Newburgh. These are the people that I serve, and I am here to be their voice.”

Candidate Lee, who will be seeking a return to the council, will be running on the Democratic line only for the upcoming election and did not announce any endorsements. Lee served on the council from 2012 to 2016. Lee also seeks endorsement from the residents of the City of Newburgh in this election cycle. “When I decided to run for an open seat on the Newburgh City Council, I did so because our children and families are experiencing poverty, hopelessness, and disenfranchisement. Therefore, I am running against the problems facing residents,” said Lee in a statement. “I am a former member of the City Council and a lifelong Democrat. I believe in the values of the right to health, housing, employment opportunities, and a stable tax base. I want to continue advocating on behalf of the City of Newburgh! During the City of Newburgh Democratic primary, I hope residents will vote for change and hope. I will be available for a community discussion if they seek other assistance.”

For Ward 1 which includes District 1, 2, 3 and 4 and Ward 2 with Districts 1 and 2, the polling location will be at the Newburgh Heritage Center at 123 Grand Street, Newburgh. For Ward 3 which is Districts 1 and 2 and Ward 4 which is Districts 2 and 4, the polling location will be Kol Israel at 290 North Street, Newburgh. For Ward 3 which is Districts 3 and 4 and Ward 4 which is Districts 1, 3, and 5, the polling location will be the City of Newburgh Activity Center at 401 Washington Street, Newburgh.