FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

January 17, 2024                                                                                                 

Contact: info@wagstaffforda.com

White Plains, N.Y. - William O. Wagstaff III, running for Westchester District Attorney, announced his campaign’s first endorsement from the City of Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard.

“An unwavering champion of integrity and selflessness, William’s journey to Westchester County DA is a testament to his dedication,” Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said in her endorsement. “His commitment to serving with the utmost integrity is commendable. He has my unequivocal support in his pursuit of justice and a better community for all.”

“I am pleased and honored to announce the first official endorsement of my candidacy for District Attorney, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard,” said William Wagstaff. “It is a privilege to work with Mayor Patterson-Howard as her Special Counsel and Chair of her Judicial Appointments Committee, as well as to serve as the city's Special Prosecutor for Police Discipline.”

“Providing Mayor Patterson-Howard with advice and counsel on issues of public safety, decisions on who has the qualifications and judicial temperament to serve on the bench, and holding police accountable have provided invaluable insight that will aid me in setting policy for the DA’s office,” Wagstaff added. “It is an incredible honor to have the unwavering support of the Mayor of my hometown and humbling that she continues to place her trust in me.”

The renowned civil rights and defense attorney also reported a total of $102,000 raised for his 2024 election campaign for Westchester District Attorney in the first filing period of the election cycle this Tuesday.

Wagstaff’s fundraising success positions him as a clear frontrunner in the race, with campaign contributions from 252 unique donors, close to half residing in Westchester County. Wagstaff also reported 250 small donors (individual contributors donating less than $250), reflecting the grassroots support of his candidacy from across the county.

“The status quo fails to meet the needs of Westchester County, and the vast financial support for my candidacy illustrates our communities’ strong conviction in my ability to bring real change to make our communities safer, stronger, and more fair,” Wagstaff said. “Having raised more from individual contributors than any other declared candidate in this race shows that our county is ready for a change.”

“I am deeply thankful and honored by the diverse support received across Westchester County, neighbors who share the belief that the District Attorney’s office can be a vehicle for positive change,” added William Wagstaff, who would become Westchester’s first Black DA.

The announcement comes on the heels of Wagstaff announcing last week the formation of a Hate Crimes Advisory Board in a bid to address the sharp rise of hate and bias crimes across Westchester. The Advisory Board will provide assistance with Wagstaff’s plan to form Westchester County’s first dedicated Hate Crimes Bureau for the District Attorney's Office.

About William: 

William O. Wagstaff III is a respected attorney who has represented the victims of some of the most high-profile civil rights cases in recent history.

William’s commitment to his community is equal to his commitment to justice; he served as Special Prosecutor for Police Disciplinary Hearings, serves as Chair of the African American Men of Westchester Mentoring Committee, and is on the Board of Directors for the Legal Aid Society of Westchester.

Wagstaff’s civil rights advocacy, legal experience, and ability to effect change are earning him broad support across Westchester County for District Attorney as his campaign continues to build momentum as a frontrunner ahead of the June Democratic Primary.

Born and raised in Mount Vernon, and a lifelong Westchester resident, he is now raising two great kids with his wife Christina.

For more information visit www.wagstaffforda.com.

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