Thomas M. Roach Jr. (born September 19, 1961) is an American politician and attorney serving as Westchester County Clerk since 2026. He was formerly the mayor of White Plains, New York. He took office as acting mayor in February 2011 following the resignation of former Mayor Adam Bradley. Roach won a March 2011 special election held to fill the remainder of Bradley's term.
Early life and background Roach was born in White Plains. He attended SUNY Albany where he received a degree in political science, and earned his Juris Doctor degree at the SUNY Buffalo School of Law. Upon graduating from law school in 1986, he represented indigent individuals in Bronx County with the Legal Aid Society.
In 1989 he entered the private practice of law in White Plains and has been primarily engaged in civil litigation since then. He was formerly employed with the firm of Mead, Hecht, Conklin, and Gallagher in Mamaroneck. Roach has two children, Henry and Lawson Roach. He is also a cancer survivor.Richard Liebson and Ben Rubin. "Council chief Roach becomes White Plains mayor, says he'll run for election". Journal News. February 18, 2011.
Political career In 2001, Roach ran for and was elected to the White Plains Common Council as a Democrat. He was reelected in 2005 and 2009.
In November 2010, Roach ran for the New York State Assembly and lost by 112 votes to incumbent Robert Castelli, who had taken office in February of that year following the resignation of former Assemblyman Adam Bradley, who had vacated the office after being elected Mayor of White Plains.Mastro, Ken. "Castelli has lead as Assembly race resumes." Lewisboro Ledger . November 23, 2010.Rentz, Paige. "Castelli up 108, Roach awaits canvas ." The Harrison Report. December 9, 2010.Oliva, Zach. "It's Official: Castelli Winner in 89th Assembly Race ." Harrison Patch. December 10, 2010. Whittemore, Mike. "Castelli Via Facebook: My Opponent Has Conceded ." YNN Capital Tonight. December 10, 2010.
In February 2011, Bradley announced his resignation as mayor,MyFox New York Staff Report. "White Plains Mayor Adam Bradley Resigns". Fox 5. February 18, 2011. following his December 2010 conviction for attempted assault and harassment of his wife, which was later overturned in 2013.Eyewitness News. "White Plains mayor guilty of attempted assault ". WABC-TV. December 9, 2010. Roach, who was as President of the Common Council at the time, succeeded him as Mayor of the City of White Plains.John Bailey. "Mayor Bradley Resigns.Roach Takes Command at Midnight. Special Election Next". White Plains CNR. February 17, 2011.Dina Sciortino. "City's Mayor Steps Down, Council President Steps Up". White Plains Patch. February 17, 2011. Roach subsequently won a March 31, 2011, special election to fill the remainder of Bradley's term.
In 2025 incumbent County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni announced his decision not to run for reelection. Roach decided to run for the position, muscling out a crowded field that includes Deputy Clerk and Port Chester trustee John Allen, Assemblymember Nader Sayegh, and county official Crystol Collins. He won the nomination unopposed and beat Sheila Marcotte, an Eastchester Town councilwoman, in the general election.
Election results
2010 New York State Assembly election, District 89 {| class="Wikitable" | Robert J. Castelli (REP - CON - TXP) || ... || 21,263 (50.1%) |- | Thomas M. Roach Jr. (DEM - IND - WOR) || ... || 21,151 (49.9%)
March 2011 White Plains mayoral special election {| class="Wikitable" | Thomas M. Roach Jr. (DEM - IND - WOR) || ... || 4,450 (52%) |- | Bob Hyland (REP - CON) || ... || 3,020 (35%) |- | Glen Hockley (POP) || ... || 1,153 (13%)
2013 White Plains mayoral election
2017 White Plains mayoral election
2021 White Plains mayoral election
See also List of mayors of White Plains, New York
References
External links Tom Roach Campaign Web site