Rochester Will Hold Municipal Election November 3
Residents will head to the polls to decide three local town government positions.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Will the upcoming Rochester election lead to meaningful changes in local infrastructure and housing policy?
The Town of Rochester will hold a municipal election on November 3, 2026. Voters will decide contests for supervisor, a vacant Town Board seat, and the highway superintendent position.
Why it matters
Candidates are prioritizing issues including infrastructure maintenance, housing affordability, and the enforcement of zoning regulations. These races will determine leadership as the town addresses significant property valuation disputes.
The ballot features candidates across Democratic, Republican, Conservative, and Working Families party lines. Voters are addressing grievances after a property revaluation process saw hundreds of formal challenges.
The players
Erin Enouen
She is the incumbent town supervisor and a member of the Democratic Party.
Tom Warg
He is a Republican candidate for supervisor who successfully challenged his town property assessment.
Lene Fornino
She is a 24-year-old candidate running for the vacant seat on the Town Board.
Charlotte Smiseth
She is a 32-year-old candidate seeking the position of town highway superintendent.
Richard Smith Jr.
He is a 33-year-old candidate running for the office of highway superintendent.
The details
Incumbent supervisor Erin Enouen faces challenger Tom Warg, whose property assessment was reduced from $500,000 to $380,000 following an official grievance. Lene Fornino and Christian Wulf compete for the Town Board seat, while Charlotte Smiseth and Richard Smith Jr. vie for the highway superintendent role.
Timeline
The municipal election will take place on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Opposition candidates are highlighting the town’s property revaluation process, which has led to widespread disputes over local tax assessments. Critics of the current administration argue that the grievance volume reflects systemic failures in local administrative oversight.
The outcome of these races will directly impact local tax policies and infrastructure management for Rochester property owners. Residents should be prepared for potential changes in town zoning enforcement and housing affordability initiatives following the installation of new leadership.
The takeaway
Voters should review the party platforms for all candidates to understand how they intend to manage future property assessments. Researching the candidates' stated priorities on infrastructure can help residents determine which leadership approach best serves their household needs.
Further reading
For more background on upcoming local races, visit the Rochester Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Freeman.
Live Poll
Will the upcoming Rochester election lead to meaningful changes in local infrastructure and housing policy?
