Persistent. Prepared.
Proven.

Persistent.
Prepared.
Proven.

Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart is a lifelong Democrat who was elected in 2019 and reelected in 2021 and 2023. She is Chair of the Agenda Charter Committee and serves on the Ways and Means Committee and the Monroe County Planning Board.

Persistent.
Prepared.
Proven.

Dear Neighbor,

I’m enthusiastically running for the East District on Rochester’s City Council. As a lifelong Democrat and city resident, I love our city and I believe in its future. I’m grateful that Councilmember Mary Lupien, who has served the East District with dedication and independence, is trusting me to carry her work forward.

In my third term on the Monroe County Legislature, I’ve been on the front lines of protecting our immigrant neighbors from Trump’s ICE, addressing affordable housing and homelessness, fighting for better bicycle and pedestrian access, regulating short-term rentals and surveillance technology, and working for transparent and ethical government.

I want to bring my government and community experience to City Hall, where I’ll work every day to make sure Rochester has the housing, clean air, transportation and economic opportunities our residents deserve. I believe City Hall works best when leaders are willing to ask tough questions, listen to residents and focus on solving problems. You can learn more about my record and priorities at rachbarnhart.com. I welcome your feedback and suggestions.

One thing that has always set me apart is that when something is wrong or people are being hurt, I speak up, even when it’s hard. I don’t have to answer to political bosses. I answer to the people I represent. That’s why Rochester’s power brokers will fight hard to get control of the East District seat.

In fact, they’ve already recruited a candidate and plan to spend a lot of money to defeat us. We cannot afford to wait. If you’d like to support this campaign, please make a donation — and if you’d like to knock doors, make calls, or host a lawn sign, sign up to volunteer now so I can find you when the time comes. Keeping this seat independent and progressive will take all of us.

Warmly,

P.S. To my current constituents in Legislative District 17 — I will not be seeking reelection to the legislature. I will continue to serve you with all my heart through the end of my term next year. And I’ll always be here for you, whether I represent you or not. For those of you in the city, you’re my East District neighbors, and I hope I can count on your continued support.

Accomplishments

Introduced and passed legislation strengthening the Code of Ethics, prohibiting sexual harassment and banning officials from using county resources for politics.
Secured additional legislative oversight over Seneca Park Zoo expansion after learning $6 million was spent on design that can’t be built.
Uncovered irregularities with American Rescue Plan Act spending, leading to additional oversight and other changes.
Working to provide oversight for a jail trust fund containing revenue from phone calls and tablets.
Consistent advocate for improved social services, authoring a report on benefits denials and case closures.
Developed a plan to end homelessness with experts and advocates, while working to increase support for social services.
Spearheaded a task force to tackle the digital divide and broadband solutions.
Introduced and passed legislation strengthening protections for cyclists and relaunched a safe-driving campaign.

Challenged Airbnb and its lobbyists for stopping a registry of short-term rental properties.
Organized a press conference against Avelo Airlines for contracting with the federal government to do immigrant deportation flights.
Worked with colleagues to hold the Sheriff accountable for interactions with Customs and Border Patrol and undocumented immigrants.
Obtained funding for small businesses struggling during the pandemic.
Stopped food delivery apps like GrubHub from listing restaurants without permission, as well as capping predatory fees during Covid shutdowns.
Led and helped to plan a Covid-19 vaccine neighborhood “festival” with Connected Communities, Common Ground Health and the United Way, which provided incentives and served as a model for other cities.
Secured free phone calls at the Monroe County Jail, without cost to taxpayers and at a savings for families of incarcerated individuals.