By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Erie County Legislature Majority Leader Maria Whyte announced her bid for Erie County Clerk.
Whyte, a democrat, made the announcement Saturday on the steps of the Rath Building in downtown Buffalo surrounded by over 50 supporters.
The Clerk position is vacant since the election of Kathy Hochul to Congress last month in a special election.
"As soon as Kathy Hochul won her election, many leaders from around the community approached me and asked me to consider this position. Honestly, I was humbled and honored to have so many encourage me. After that initial surprise, I began to seriously consider the position and the race. I have discussed it with my family and close friends and I am excited to report that I am running for Erie County Clerk," said Whyte.
Whyte said she has a broad understanding of the Clerk's office and its role in the overall mission of county government.
Whyte was elected to the County legislature in 2005.
Whyte has received the endorsement from the Erie County Democratic Park and the Working Families Party. She is not expected to have an opponent in the primary.
Buffalo School board member Chris Jacobs is the declared republican candidate in the race for County Clerk.