The Canandaigua City Democratic Committee has announced its slate of candidates for the 2025 elections, presenting a team with extensive experience in local government, business, nonprofit work, and community service.
“This is one of the deepest pools of candidates we’ve ever put forward,” said committee chairman Ryan Wilmer. “Four of the five candidates have already successfully served on Canandaigua City Council, and we welcome one newcomer who has been an advocate for our community through professional, volunteer and civic service.”
The slate includes Thomas Lyon for mayor, along with Sim Covington, Doug Merrill, John “JT” Squires, and Gwen Van Laeken as at-large candidates for the City Council.
Lyon, a fourth-generation Canandaigua resident, currently serves as a councilmember at-large and has over a decade of experience in planning and economic development. He also chairs the Climate Smart Community Taskforce and represents the city in the Canandaigua Local Development Corporation.
Covington, running for re-election, serves as Chief Diversity Officer at Finger Lakes Community College and has worked extensively with local law enforcement on diversity training. Merrill, also seeking re-election, is a retired scientist and educator from RIT who remains active in environmental and civic organizations.
Squires, the only newcomer on the slate, has built a strong record of community service through his work with Goodwill of the Finger Lakes and Finger Lakes Community College, as well as his position on the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals. Van Laeken, seeking another term, is an experienced nonprofit leader and executive director of the Partnership for Ontario County.
Democratic leaders emphasized the party’s role in Canandaigua’s recent growth, highlighting accomplishments such as securing a $10 million state grant for downtown revitalization, economic development initiatives, and public safety improvements.
“The record of our elected officials and candidates proves a commitment to fiscal responsibility, strategic deployment of public safety resources, environmental sustainability, and successful economic development,” said Michael Mills, the committee’s secretary and a Ward 1 councilman.
With their collective experience, the Democratic slate aims to continue shaping the city’s future, maintaining progress on key issues while reinforcing their commitment to the community.
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