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In this year’s Rochester mayoral primary, Malik Evans has both the power of incumbency and a financial advantage over his Democratic challengers. With only a few days left until the start of early voting, the mayor has outraised and outspent his rivals, and has the most money on hand.
Yet Councilmember Mary Lupien has drawn a greater number of individual contributors and first-time candidate Shashi Sinha is poised to make a strong push, fueled by $350,000 in loans he has made to his own campaign.
The most recent committee disclosure records filed with the state Board of Elections paint a clear picture of the contribution and spending strategies employed by Evans, progressive candidate Lupien, and political outsider Sinha.
Evans has amassed an impressive war chest, bolstered by a significant opening balance. He has also spent the most, particularly on fundraising events, advertising, and consultant services. By contrast, Lupien has focused on small-dollar donations, with one fundraising effort leading to more than 350 contributions at an average of $33, while the vast majority of Sinha’s available funds come from his own resources.
“I am not a politician and I don’t have donor connections,” says Sinha. “So, I self-funded.”
This cycle of reporting spans contributions from the beginning of this year to May 23. Cash on hand before Jan. 1 also is included in the final summaries for each candidate. The final pre-primary disclosure filings are due tomorrow.
Evans’ edge
With money from prior election cycles and robust fundraising this year, Evans is the money race leader with a closing balance of $321,751 in this reporting period, compared with Sinha’s $295,579 and Lupien’s $31,117.
He has logged $226,862 from 376 contributions this year—more than two-thirds of the $338,776 total raised by the three candidates—with an average of $603 per donation.
Fellow government officials are among notable individual contributors to Evans’ campaign. They include: Rep. Joe Morelle ($875); Councilmembers Miguel Melendez ($350) and LaShay Harris ($500); Assemblymember Demond Meeks ($1,500); county lawmakers Ricky Frazier ($225), William Burgess ($175), and Santos Cruz ($350); Amy Maloy, Rochester City School District board vice president ($250); Barbara Pierce, Rochester communications director ($400); Stefano Napolitano, Rochester fire department chief ($400), and Patrick Beath, city corporation counsel ($175).
In addition, former office holders have donated to the mayor’s re-election effort. Among them: Cynthia Herriott, Rochester police department chief ($250); Linda Kingsley, corporation counsel ($1,100); and Sandra Frankel, Brighton supervisor ($175). Current Brighton town board candidate Clara Sanguetti ($100) and Rochester City Council candidate LaShunda Leslie-Smith ($45) also contributed to Evans’ campaign.
A number of other community leaders also have donated to the Evans campaign. They include: Seanelle Hawkins, president of the Urban League of Rochester ($175); Shanai Lee, executive director of Rochester Education and Development for Youth ($450); Doug Ackley, Rochester executive director at Center for Teen Empowerment ($100); Yessenia Ramos-Torres, director of corporate operations and legal services at Pathstone ($350); and Ginny Ryan, former television news anchor and director of community engagement at Canandaigua National Bank & Trust ($350).
Companies and individuals involved in real estate were among the significant contributors to Evans’ re-election effort. Developer Andrew Gallina and his LLC, Tower 195, gave $4,000 to the mayor’s campaign. Gallina owns buildings in the downtown core, including Innovation Square and the Chase Building, and supported the downtown business improvement district proposal, which failed last year. Evans and most City Council members were also supportive of the BID plan; Lupien was not.
Others Evans supporters in real estate and development include: Gilbert Winn ($1,500), CEO of Winncompanies, which also owns buildings downtown such as the Sibley Building; Elmwood Manor Associates ($1,500), which is operated by Konar Properties, developer of the VIDA Apartments and Townhouses; Home Leasing ($1,500), which is currently constructing the Harper’s Corner at East Main and North Clinton; Christopher Passero and his architecture firm, Passero Associates ($2,050), which designed the Center City Courtyard apartments; and SWBR ($1,500), the architecture firm that designed the Cobbs Hill Village renovations.
Architecture and engineering company LIRO ($2,500), industrial property acquirer Intersection Realty Group ($2,500), environmental site assessor Day Environmental ($1,500), contractors USC Builds ($4,000) and Sealand Group ($2,500), and RPAC of NYS ($2,500), a political action committee for local Realtors, also contributed. The money raised from real estate and development interests represents 11 percent of Evans’ total fundraising this cycle.
Avangrid New York, which owns and operates Rochester Gas and Electric, contributed $500 to the Evans campaign. A years-long effort by advocacy group Metro Justice supporting a public takeover of the utility resulted in City Council approving $500,000 in 2023 for a public power utility feasibility study. Since then, the county government has failed to authorize funding for the study multiple times.
According to Metro Justice, Evans and most City Council incumbents have opposed moving forward without the county’s involvement. Lupien wants to proceed with the study.
Among other contributors of note to Evans’ campaign are the Red Wings baseball organization ($2,500); the Greater Rochester Economic Alliance ($1,500); the Rochester Firefighters PAC ($2,500); the Rochester International Jazz Festival ($4,000); the Rochester Teachers Association ($1,500); the M&T and Wilmington Trust PAC ($1,500); Conwaybeam Truck Group ($1,500); and local unions for carpenters, teamsters, civil service, transit, and iron workers ($10,475 combined).
Small-dollar donations
While she did not raise as much as Evans in this reporting period, Lupien garnered nearly double the number of individual donors. In total, she raised $86,121 from 649 contributors, with an average of $133 per donation.
This focus on smaller individual donations appears to be a strategic decision on Lupien’s part. One fundraising advertisement on social media specifically aimed for donations under $100, pitching that they can be made with greater anonymity.
“Listen, we get it,” the post reads. “You have connections in Rochester that make it difficult for you to show up on a contribution report. You don’t want your friends to judge or your enemies to pounce.
“If you give under $100 during the cycle, NYS allows us to report you as an unitemized contribution,” it continues. “That means you can give us $99 and we’ll lump you in with everyone else. The only people who have to know are you, Mary, and our treasurer.”
This appeal seems to have been successful, with a contribution of over $11,000 on May 19 listed in the report with the explanation: “358 donations all under $100.”
All told, 496 contributions, or 76 percent of Lupien’s total, were for $100 or less. (By comparison, Evans’ campaign had 102 contributions, or 24 percent of his total, in that same category.)
Lupien received donations from a number of public figures. Among them: Rachel Barnart, a county legislator and fellow self-described progressive ($200); the Rochester Regional Joint Board, a union organizing board ($3,494); Daniele Lyman-Torres, CEO of Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester ($250); Rachel Rosner, a Brighton town board candidate in 2023 ($100); and Matthew and Elizabeth Gutchess, owners of Gutchess Lumber Co. who contributed a combined $4,449.
Other significant contributors to Lupien’s campaign include Dianne Stengel, the operations manager for the Penfield Symphonic Orchestra ($3,474); Cheryl Tiffany, a physician’s assistant ($3,494); Jack Mottley, a computer engineering professor at the University of Rochester ($2,500); Matt Seidel, a Rochester-area musician ($1,400); and Richard Glaser, the founder of the entrepreneurship organization RocGrowth ($2,000).
Of the three candidates, Lupien had the most out-of-state contributions, with 32 donations coming from 17 other states.
A self-funded campaign
The financial contest in this year’s mayoral primary is competitive in large part because Sinha has taken a different approach in his campaign. While he only raised $25,788 in contributions, his finance report also contains an “outstanding loan” of $350,000, which the candidate says is a loan from himself to his campaign.
“I know the reality of how politics and these races work, so I said, ‘You know what, I’m not going to go looking around for too much money from people, I’m going to put my money where my mouth is,’” Sinha says.
In addition, an entry of over $11,000 is listed as an “in-kind contribution” from Sinha covering lodging for campaign staff at his own residence.
Though overwhelmingly self-funded, Sinha’s campaign did raise more than $25,000 during the reporting period. Mercedes Vazquez-Simmons ($100), vice president of the county Legislature, is the only political figure who contributed to Sinha’s campaign. Other notable contributors include Dale and Joseph Klein, an artist and former chairman of Klein Steel, who contributed a combined $6,988; Vikram Dogra, a professor at the UR Center for biomedical ultrasound ($1,000); Marvin Maye, a developer from Spencerport ($1,117); and Indian American Impact, a PAC focusing on South Asian American voters ($500).
Neither Lupien nor Sinha’s donations exceeded $3,494, the maximum limit on individual campaign contributions in a Democratic mayoral primary, as determined by the Monroe County Board of Elections. (Evans reported 10 separate single donations of $4,000.)
Where the money went
With total expenses topping $280,000, Evans has vastly outspent his challengers so far.
Slightly more than $88,000, or 31 percent of Evans’ expenses, went for campaign mailers, radio and online advertisements, which were all through Facebook.
Another $76,000, or 27 percent, paid for fundraising events at venues including the Strong Museum, Roc City Ramen, Apogee Wine Bar, Strange Bird Brewery, and Aerial Arts Rochester.
Campaign consultants was the other significant expense category for Evans; it accounted for $26,500, or more than 9 percent of his total. Alex Winslow, director of external relations and outreach at RIT Certified and a senior adviser for his 2021 campaign, received $11,500, or nearly half of that category.
Sinha spent the second most of the three mayoral candidates, listing $88,154 in expenses in his disclosures.
Expenses on consultants accounted for $40,150, or 45 percent of his total. Of that, $15,000 went to Threshold Group, a consulting firm in New York City that specializes in advertising, fundraising, and public affairs, with the remaining sum split among three individuals.
Lupien had slightly more than $56,000 in listed expenditures. Of the total, $29,150, or 52 percent, was spent on advertising expenses such as campaign mailers, literature, lawn signs, and print and digital ads.
She spent $10,000, or 18 percent, on campaign consultancy, with most of that sum going to Blue Path Solutions, a Michigan-based consulting firm started by labor organizers.
Final push
In the lead-up to the primary election, all three candidates are campaigning intensively.
In recent days, Sinha conducted an AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Reddit and hosted a Facebook live discussion on his housing policy last weekend.
Lupien held a rally with 2021 Buffalo mayoral candidate India Walton yesterday and her second “Music with Mary” event at Boulder Coffee Co. Cafe and Lounge earlier this week. Tomorrow, she will host a “Raise the Woof” dog-themed event at Nine Maidens Brewing Co.
The Evans campaign has been a whirlwind of recent activity as well. The mayor participated in a joint canvassing event in early May with City Council candidates Melendez, Gruber, Leslie-Smith, and Josie McClary. (The financial disclosures show that the Evans’ campaign has given $37,000 to City Council candidates including Melendez, Leslie-Smith, incumbent Mitch Gruber, and newcomers McClary and Niner Davis.)
He also has attended events in his capacity as mayor, such as the Roc’n Ritmo Latin music concert last weekend.
On Wednesday, Evans launched a new campaign commercial around stories of local residents entitled “Big Difference.” His campaign says the ad will begin airing across television, digital, and streaming platforms this week.
“The TV spot highlights the Evans administration’s successes and his deep commitment to economic empowerment, public safety, the strengths of our neighborhoods, and our youth,” an announcement from his campaign states.
Early voting for the Rochester Democratic primary, which includes the mayoral race, will be held from June 14 to June 22. Primary election day is June 24.
Jacob Schermerhorn is a Rochester Beacon contributing writer and data journalist.
The Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who adhere to our comment policy including use of their full, real name. See “Leave a Reply” below to discuss on this post. Comments of a general nature may be submitted to the Letters page by emailing [email protected].
As a Rochester resident for nearly 23 years, an RCSD educator, and a proud union member, I’ve come to deeply value transparent, informed, and compassionate leadership—qualities that Councilmember Mary Lupien exemplifies. Over the past decade, I’ve seen Councilmember Lupien consistently champion policies that tackle urgent challenges and build long-term, sustainable solutions. Her commitment to improving quality of life—especially for the most vulnerable—reflects her unwavering dedication to our city. It’s clear why Mary Lupien is an ideal candidate for Mayor of Rochester.
Among the many reasons I support her, I want to highlight her dedication to Rochester’s youth. Lupien is a fierce advocate for safe, quality, and affordable housing—an issue that directly affects our children. Nearly 40% of our unhoused population are kids, many living in shelters, hotels, cars, or tents. These unstable conditions hinder students’ ability to attend school consistently, stay focused, and have their basic needs met. We need Mary Lupien leader who will fight for real solutions like Housing First, rent stabilization, Good Cause legislation, and community land ownership.
Councilmember Lupien understands that strong public schools are the foundation of a thriving community. Mary champions student- and family-centered approaches while uplifting the educators and staff who keep our schools running. She supports wrap-around services, safe and modern learning environments, and expanded social-emotional supports, all while advocating for adequate staffing and strong community partnerships.
Lupien believes investing in youth requires a holistic strategy that addresses both immediate needs and long-term goals. She supports expanding community-based intervention programs, increasing family engagement, and implementing restorative justice practices that help youth build relationships and take responsibility. She prioritizes youth employment, mentorship, and guaranteed income programs to stabilize families and reduce the economic pressures that hinder youth development.
Mary doesn’t shy away from hard problems—she crafts bold, long-term solutions. This is clear in her recent proposals to address youth-involved car thefts, reduce beach violence, and expand Rochester’s Community Responder Programs.
After watching the debates, attending town halls, and reading campaign materials and testimonials, one thing is clear: Mary Lupien rises above the rest. She shows up, listens, and delivers real, people-first solutions. Mary Lupien is committed to building a Rochester where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Not being a paranoiac, I’m not concerned that some evil forces are trying to buy City Hall. Which seems to be the only reason why this endless litany of who’s giving money to who is being published. Now how about something useful? Like a wrap up of where the candidates stand on such issues as gang violence in the streets, car thefts, Rochester’s status as a sanctuary city, the future of the PAB, the destruction of the Broad Street Bridge, the involvement of City Hall (if any) in the failing school system, etc., etc., etc.
Two outstanding points about this article are:
1) It’s always amazing when POLITICAL candidates claim that they “are not politicians” – yet they are competing to hold one of the highest local, POLITICAL Offices. How does that work???
2) If this report does NOT make it crystal-clear who Malik Evans handlers and bosses are – it would have to be because folks just aren’t paying attention, or have their heads buried in the sand (as an ostrich would do)!!!
For me, voting for a mayor is like hiring an executive to run my company. I’m an investor with a valuable stake in how my community operates going forward. Like investors on Wall Street, I cherish stability and clarity of vision. My return on investment includes stable taxes, predictable and high-quality services, and a solid outlook for economic growth and stability for our city. Although the Mayor has no direct role in managing the School District, the position can be a bully pulpit for influencing change and improved outcomes. I also value knowledge and experience. I don’t believe in unfounded promises, such as building 1,000 houses a year without a blueprint, funding, or a regulatory framework outlining how that will happen. Nor do I support the subversive way some candidates, while on the city council, tricked residents by forcing them to actively opt out of the non-RG&E “green” choice that cost them more money. Or a completely naive desire to “buy” RG&E.
As a hiring manager, I always built a spreadsheet with critical skills, knowledge, and attributes, based on the job description, to compare and evaluate potential hires. While not entirely objective and not all-inclusive. When voting, I’m using data not emotion to pick my choice. I’m a “prime” Democratic voter, which means I always vote in every election, and my vote matters.
Although the ability to raise money for a primary can be a tool to intimidate opponents, it’s also a solid metric as to how much support a candidate has and how strong a campaign they can run. Since the winner of the primary will be the de facto winner in the fall, should a challenger outside the designated party candidate and primary winner choose to challenge the nominee, a large war chest is essential. Bob Duffy was a prime example of that strategy.
While Duffy set fund raising records in his run for mayor (drawing on support from his fellow Republicans who forgave him his cynical last-minute switch to the Democrats) and wasn’t the party-endorsed mayoral candidate in 2005, he did go into the general election as the winner of the Democratic primary, that victory and his seven year stint as chief of police making him anything but an outsider.