MANCHESTER — Incumbent Manchester Supervisor Tate Colburn ran unopposed in 2025 for the town supervisor job, which typically carries a two-year term.
But a state election law that went into effect last year moved local town elections to even-numbered years. So, a person elected last year to office with a two-year term has to run again this year. The same idea applies to those elected to town offices with four-year terms; they have to run again in 2028.
This year, Colburn, a Republican whose term as supervisor began Jan. 1, is running unopposed again, seeking re-election to a two-year term.
In-person early voting starts Saturday, Oct. 24, and continues through Sunday, Nov. 1. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls are open for regular voting between
6 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. You can look up where to vote at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov. We'll have live Ontario County election results as they become available at democratandchronicle.com.
Colburn was emailed questions concerning the election. His responses have been lightly edited.
Tate Colburn (R)
Tate Colburn, 64, is married and has two adult sons. He retired from the Ontario County Sheriff Office in December 2025 after 42 years.
What is the most important issue facing residents in Manchester, and what would you do about it if elected?
"I believe one important issue facing our residents is affordability. To that end I believe our Town Board and departments have been and will continue to be fiscally responsible with our taxpayer’s money.
I will work with the Ontario County Industrial Development Agency and others to attract business to the town of Manchester, thus creating new job potential.
Personal mobility around the town is an issue as some of our residents have limited access to either personal vehicles or bus services. To address this, we are coordinating with the villages of Manchester and Shortsville, the hamlet of Port Gibson, Ontario County and New York state agencies to conduct a travel and mobility study."
Why should voters choose you?
"While I am running unopposed, I believe I have the integrity and work ethic to do the job. I believe in working as a team to get the job done.
I believe we have a strong team of both elected officials and town staff who believe in doing the right thing for the people of the town of Manchester."
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Who's on my ballot in Manchester? Election 2026 candidates
