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Rochester City Councilmember Willie Lightfoot Sr. will not seek a third term. He plans to focus on pastoring and running his businesses.
A well-known name in local politics, Lightfoot most recently challenged Assemblyman Demond Meeks in a Democratic primary for the 137th District, once held by the late David Gantt.

“It has been an honor and privilege to continue the work my late father began by serving the people of this great city in elected office,” Lightfoot said Monday. “I am deeply grateful for the trust and support you have shown me over the years and I am humbled to have had the privilege to serve my neighbors both on City Council and previously as a County Legislator.”
A seat in the Monroe County Legislature marked Lightfoot’s first step into elected office. He represented Southwest Rochester, starting in 2005, for a decade. In 2017, he was elected to City Council. Lightfoot is currently serving his second term, which ends Dec. 31.
On City Council, Lightfoot has been an anti-violence advocate. He founded the ROC Against Gun Violence Coalition to lower violent crime, including gun deaths. The group played a key role in educating the public on an illegal-gun trace report and released an action plan that calls for collaboration with various agencies.
“As I move on to the next chapter of my life, I am excited to focus on my family, pastoring, and running my businesses,” said Lightfoot. “As a minister and an employer, I will continue contributing to our community outside of government and I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead – particularly to spend more time with my wife and our kids.”
Lightfoot, a licensed barber, owns New Creations Unisex Shop and real estate investment firm OHAD LLC. A graduate of Edison Career & Technology High School, Lightfoot served in the U.S. Air Force before returning to Rochester where he became a firefighter.
“I have had a burning need to serve my neighbors since I left high school, first for the Air Force, then the Fire Service, and after that in elected office,” said Lightfoot. “Working through the ministry and also as an employer seems a natural extension of that service and I look forward to keeping the Lightfoot family tradition of helping to better the quality life of others and contributing positively to our city through my work in the church, as a neighbor and a small business owner.”
Lightfoot was praised by Miguel Meléndez Jr., City Council president.
“It has been an honor to serve alongside Councilmember Lightfoot, who has pioneered anti-violence initiatives in city government, furthered racial equity and equality on City Council, and continuously advocated for the betterment of quality of life for all Rochesterians,” said Meléndez. “The Rochester community is thankful for his public service, not just on council but also as a serviceman, fireman, family man, and clergy member.”
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor. The Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who adhere to our comment policy including use of their full, real name.
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Thrilled to see him go. He and his policy motives will not be missed.