The race for Ontario County District Attorney is shaping up to be a closely watched contest as two law enforcement groups have split their endorsements between incumbent District Attorney Jim Ritts and challenger Jason MacBride.
Ritts, a Republican seeking re-election, has secured the endorsement of the New York State Police Investigators Association, which represents over 2,700 active and retired members of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation of the New York State Police. Meanwhile, MacBride, a former First Assistant District Attorney, has received the backing of the Ontario County Police Benevolent Association, which represents over 100 local police officers, sergeants, and investigators.
State police investigators edndorse Ritts for re-election
Ritts, who has served as Ontario County’s top prosecutor since 2018, announced his bid for re-election in January and has also been endorsed by the Ontario County Conservative Party. In a letter of endorsement, NYSPIA leaders praised Ritts for his commitment to justice and his close working relationship with investigators.
“You are steadfast in your commitment to promoting justice for victims and helping to deter violent crime,” NYSPIA Executive Director Timothy Dymond and Troop E Delegate Matthew Lambert wrote to Ritts. “It is immensely important to our members that the District Attorney understands the challenges we face, which you do.”
Ritts expressed gratitude for the endorsement, stating, “We’ve worked together on countless cases during my career, always striving to provide justice for crime victims. I’m humbled to have their support.”
A career prosecutor with over 25 years in the DA’s office, Ritts has personally prosecuted thousands of cases, including more than 130 jury trials and 175 appeals. He has been active in the community, serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Child Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes and volunteering with various local organizations.
Ontario County PBA backs MacBride
In contrast, the Ontario County PBA has thrown its support behind MacBride, citing concerns about prosecution strategies under Ritts’ leadership. The organization stated that certain cases had not been handled effectively, impacting officers’ ability to secure justice for victims.
“These are the men and women on the front lines of law enforcement, tirelessly working to keep our communities safe,” MacBride said of the PBA’s endorsement. “Their endorsement reaffirms the need for change in the District Attorney’s Office, and I am committed to restoring a strong partnership between law enforcement and prosecutors to ensure justice is properly served.”
MacBride currently serves as an Assistant County Attorney, where he prosecutes juvenile delinquency cases and represents the Department of Social Services in child abuse and neglect proceedings. Prior to that, he spent over a decade as an Assistant District Attorney in Monroe and Ontario Counties and served as First Assistant District Attorney from 2018 to 2022, overseeing major felony prosecutions.
A resident of Victor, MacBride lives with his wife and two children. As the primary election nears, he hopes to rally support from voters who believe the DA’s office needs new leadership.
An important primary contest with November implications
With both candidates receiving key law enforcement endorsements, the Republican primary on June 24, 2025, is expected to be a competitive showdown. The winner will move on to the general election on November 4, 2025.
As the race unfolds, voters will weigh each candidate’s record, their vision for the DA’s office, and their support within the law enforcement community—an influential factor in Ontario County’s justice system.
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