The 2023 Erie County, New York Executive election took place on November 7, 2023, to select the County Executive of Erie County, New York. Incumbent Democratic County Executive Mark Poloncarz ran for re-election to a fourth term,[1] which he said would be his last.[2] He was challenged by businesswoman Chrissy Casilio, the Republican nominee.[3]
During the campaign, Poloncarz weathered controversy when a woman he was dating alleged that he physically restrained her prior to the end of their relationship,[4] though charges were ultimately not filed,[5] and for awarding a contract to another woman he was dating.[6]
Republicans hoped to capitalize on the scandal,[7] but Poloncarz easily defeated Casilio to win his fourth term in a landslide, receiving 59 percent of the vote.[8]
Democratic nomination
Poloncarz announced that he would seek a record fourth term as County Executive,[9] and he initially faced a challenge from former Grand Island Town Supervisor Nate McMurray, who narrowly lost a 2018 congressional campaign to Republican Congressman Chris Collins. McMurray criticized Poloncarz's plans to seek a fourth term, arguing that "executives are not supposed to have a lifetime position" and that he would campaign against the "status quo."[10]
McMurray attracted criticism for telling Poloncarz that "Eric County sucks" at a meeting of the Erie County Democratic Party, which county party chairman Jeremy Zellner called "appalling." McMurray followed up on his remarks, noting, "I love Erie County. That's why I was [at the meeting] in the first place. But its current state is not good. And that's because of Mark [Poloncarz]."[11] McMurray dropped out of the race shortly thereafter, saying that he couldn't "beat Mark in this system."[12]
Following McMurray's withdrawal from the race, Poloncarz won the Republican nomination unopposed.
Republican nomination
Three candidates sought the nomination of the Republican Party: County Clerk Michael Kearns, a Democrat; Boston Town Supervisor Jason Keding; and businesswoman Chrissy Casilio, the daughter of Clarence Town Supervisor Patrick Casilio.[13] Kearns, who faced some opposition over his refusal to formally switch parties,[13] ultimately dropped out of the race, citing family considerations.[14] Casilio was ultimately selected as the nominee.[15]
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