ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As early voting continues, one primary on the ballot is the race for Rochester City Court judge.

Voters are about to choose a candidate who will likely be the next City Court judge in Rochester, filling an open seat as current Judge Charles Crimi’s term wraps.

Both candidates are Democrats, attorney and former Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren and criminal defense attorney Michael Geraci.

“I feel very passionate and strongly that I have those qualities and that experience and that background that I’m very hopeful that voters will see that on June 25,” said Geraci.

Geraci is the Monroe County Democratic Committee’s designee.

“I think experience is very important," said Geraci. "I’m an experienced attorney. I spend my days in City Court."

Lovely Warren states on her website that her mission is to "bring justice and integrity to our court system." The former mayor stepped down in 2021 as part of a plea deal in a campaign fraud case.

Her campaign says she is unable to do an on-camera interview for this story, but sent a statement that said in part:

“As an attorney, the last few years have shown me that there remains inequities in our legal system, especially for people of color and I can remedy much of that in being a Judge who is fair and balanced... and it seems to me that is the best way to serve my community in this next stage of my life.”

Both candidates tout their plans for fairness to defendants.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a last resort, but certainly if I can find other options to ensure the community is safe and this person will return to court and face the charges, then in those cases I would seek other measures than incarcerating someone,” said Geraci.

The two candidates say they are each best suited to wear the robe for the next 10-year term at Rochester City Court and asking for residents' votes.