Thomas Leone, who has served as Cayuga County Court judge since 2007, announced he will not run for a third 10‑year term this year, creating a rare open seat on the county bench.
According to The Auburn Citizen, Leone said the decision was difficult but that he plans to finish out his current term, which expires at the end of 2026. He cited a desire to spend more time with his family, including his grandchildren, as a motivating factor for stepping down.
Leone was first elected in 2006 and took office the following year. He ran unopposed in 2016 to secure a second decade on the bench and has presided over criminal, civil and family court matters throughout his tenure.
Under New York state law, judges must retire at age 70, and Leone would have reached that age early in a third term, a factor he acknowledged in his decision.
Leone thanked Cayuga County voters for the trust they placed in him and praised the colleagues and agencies he has worked with, saying their dedication helped the courts run effectively and securely.
His announcement follows that of another countywide official, Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck, who announced in November that he is also not seeking reelection in 2026.
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