Mercedes Vazquez-Simmons, a boxing promoter with her own business, Pretty Girl Productions, is headed for a second term in the Legislature.
Vazquez-Simmons received roughly 65% of the vote, besting Jessie Parson, the Monroe County Democratic Committee’s designated candidate. She has no challenger in the general election.
Vazquez-Simmons emphasized public safety during her campaign and said efforts to address it need to go beyond policing. She said that a community-wide response to violence and other crime is needed and that while youths who break the law should face consequences, the county and other governments need to find ways to work with young people.
Vazquez-Simmons is involved in several community organizations, and she started a youth program on North Clinton Avenue that provides young people with a space to focus on conflict resolution.
