Santos Cruz, the Monroe County Democratic Committee’s designated candidate for the seat, came out on top with roughly 61% of the vote, defeating his opponent Oscar Brewer Jr.
Cruz aligned himself with Democratic Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and said that he wants to work with the executive to direct additional resources to fight the opioid epidemic, invest in youth development and employment programs, and increase the number of minority- and women-owned businesses contracting with county government.
A community risk reduction firefighter in the Rochester Fire Department, Cruz also serves as president of the Rochester Hispanic Youth Baseball League. He has also volunteered with Poder 97.1, Rochester’s public Latin radio station.
Brewer, a tenant rights advocate who made housing issues a central part of his campaign, will still appear on the November ballot since he has the Working Families Party line.
