Sherita Traywick announced her candidacy Monday for New York’s 25th Congressional District seat, setting up a primary contest against incumbent U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle.
New York’s 25th Congressional District includes part of Ontario County and all of Monroe County. The primary election is scheduled for June 23.
Traywick, founder of Young & Gifted Ministries, made the announcement on social media and at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day community event in North Chili. She said choosing Jan. 19 to launch her campaign was intended to honor King’s legacy by continuing “his work” for justice and community empowerment.
Morelle, a Democrat, has represented the Rochester-area district since a 2018 special election following the death of U.S. Rep. Louise Slaughter.
Traywick’s campaign launch reflects an effort by local leaders to offer voters an alternative within the Democratic Party to Morelle’s long tenure in Congress.
Morelle is also seeking re-election in 2026 and has raised significant campaign funds in previous cycles.
