Ontario County District Attorney Jim Ritts announced on Thursday afternoon that he plans to retire in the near future. Although he has not yet set an official retirement date, Ritts described his decision as “bittersweet.”
Ritts has served as Ontario County DA since 2018. His announcement follows his recent primary election loss to challenger Jason McBride. Earlier this week, a state Supreme Court judge ruled that McBride did not have enough valid signatures to remain on the November ballot as an independent candidate. McBride will still appear on the ballot as the Republican nominee, while Ritts will run on the Conservative Party line.
His full statement is below:
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