Joseph Lorigo

Joseph C. Lorigo (born November 18, 1981) is an American politician and jurist. A Conservative, he served as a member of the Erie County, New York Legislature, representing Legislative District 10, which comprises rural towns in southeastern Erie County and the first-ring Buffalo suburb of West Seneca.[1] He currently serves as a justice on the New York State Supreme Court.

Joseph C. Lorigo
Justice of the New York State Supreme Court from the 8th Judicial district
Assumed office
January 1, 2023
Member of the Erie County Legislature
from the 10th district
In office
January 1, 2011 – January 1, 2023
Preceded byChristina Wleklinski Bove
Succeeded byJames Malczewski
Personal details
Born (1981-11-18) November 18, 1981
Buffalo, New York, United States
Political partyConservative
SpouseLindsay Bratek
Children1
ResidenceWest Seneca, New York
Alma materUniversity at Buffalo Law School
Canisius University
University at Buffalo
OccupationAttorney

Early life and career

Lorigo was born in Buffalo, New York to Ralph C. Lorigo and Debbie (née Caruana) Lorigo.[2] He earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Canisius College in 2003, and then earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University at Buffalo Law School and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University at Buffalo School of Management in 2007.[3]

After graduation, he worked as a lawyer at The Law Office of Ralph C. Lorigo.

Lorigo unsuccessfully ran for West Seneca town justice in 2010.[4]

Erie County Legislature

Lorigo won election to the Erie County, New York legislature in 2011, defeating incumbent Christina Wleklinski Bove. He won re-election in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021.

He caucused with the Republican legislators during his time in the legislature. After his first term, the legislature's Republican caucus elected Lorigo as the majority leader of the Erie County Legislature in 2014 until the Democratic Party took over control of the legislature in 2017.[5] After the Democratic Party takeover of the legislature, Lorigo was elected as the minority leader.[6]

Throughout his tenure, Lorigo worked for transparency and accountability in County government. He fought for lower taxes and improved investment in infrastructure.

New York State Supreme Court

In 2022, Lorigo announced he was a candidate for a justice position on the New York State Supreme Court.[7] That year, there were 5 positions open for election, however 4 of the 5 positions received cross-endorsements from both the Democratic and Republican parties, an often controversial practice allowed for in states that allow electoral fusion.

These cross endorsements guarantee victory for those 4 candidates. Lorigo was not one of the candidates who received a cross endorsement. Instead, he entered the race with only the backing of the Republican and Conservative parties.

Lorigo defeated Buffalo City Court Judge Shannon Heneghan on Election Day.[8] His victory was considered the only Erie County "GOP gain" on Election Day 2022.[9]

Personal life

Prior to being elected to the State Supreme Court, Lorigo worked at the Law Offices of Ralph C. Lorigo, since 2007.[10]

Joseph is married to former staffer Lindsay Bratek-Lorigo, who is currently a candidate to succeed him in the legislature.[11]

They reside in West Seneca, New York, with their son.

References
  1. "Legislative District No. 10" (PDF). Erie County Board of Elections. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
  2. McCarthy, Robert J. (October 4, 2022). "Bar Association gives 'not recommended' rating to two GOP-backed Supreme Court candidates". Buffalo News.
  3. "Five Questions with Joseph Lorigo". Buffalo News. July 22, 2012.
  4. McDowell, Kimberly (November 4, 2010). "'Too close to call' in town justice race". West Seneca Bee -.
  5. "Home". Legislator Lorigo. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
  6. "Legislator Joe Lorigo re-elected as Erie County Legislature Minority Leader | Erie County Legislature - Republican Caucus". www2.erie.gov. January 7, 2021.
  7. "Race for 5 Supreme Court Seats in Western NY Includes Well-Financed Conservative Candidate Who Wasn't Recommended by Erie County Bar". New York Law Journal.
  8. Tan, Sandra (November 9, 2022). "Lorigo and four others declare victory in bid for State Supreme Court seats". Buffalo News.
  9. "GOP Gains in Supreme Court Elections as Incumbent Democrats Falter in North Country, Central NY". New York Law Journal.
  10. "Attorneys". www.lorigo.com.
  11. "Conservatives eye Lorigo's wife for vacancy; GOP may ultimately decide".
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