Ruffino Not Running as a Conservative in Pelham Justice Race

Stephen Ruffino’s run for Pelham town justice will end after Tuesday’s loss in the Republican primary.

Incumbent Justice Stephen Huff and John DeChiaro  won the primary over Ruffino Tuesday, according to unofficial results.

Huff received 322 votes, while DeChiaro hauled in 312 and Ruffino ended up with 259. Ruffino, who is also listed on the Conservative line, said he has no intention of running in November.

“I will not be campaigning,” Ruffino said. “If they permit me to withdraw from the Conservative line, I will. As a result of the primary, it’s apparent that I should not be considered a candidate.”

DeChiaro won even though town Republican committee chose Huff and Ruffino its candidates.

Huff and DeChiaro will now square off against Democratic candidates George Bischof and Mercedes Maldonado for two open town justice seats during November’s general election.

Anthony Pasquantonio, who currently sits in the other town justice seat, isn’t running for re-election.

The justice seats are the town’s only contested races in November.