On Friday, January 10, 2025, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct announced its determination that James H. Ridgeway, a part-time Justice of the Richland Town Court in Oswego County, should be admonished for making over $6,000 in prohibited political contributions. The Commission concluded that Judge Ridgeway’s actions violated the established rules governing judicial conduct, which prohibit judges from engaging in political activities, including making contributions to political organizations or candidates.
The Commission’s findings revealed that between 2006 and 2017, Judge Ridgeway made 138 contributions totaling $3,311 to the United Steelworkers Union (USW) political action fund through automatic payroll deductions. These contributions were intended to support candidates sympathetic to union interests. Additionally, from October 2006 to October 2016, he made 33 contributions amounting to $824 to ActBlue, a fundraising platform that supports Democratic candidates and progressive organizations. His contributions also included eight payments totaling $265 to Senator Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign during the 2015-2016 election cycle.
The Commission’s investigation further uncovered that between 2019 and 2023, Judge Ridgeway’s wife made 109 contributions totaling $1,306 to ActBlue, as well as seven contributions totaling $322 to a political entity called “Stop Republicans.” These transactions were conducted in Judge Ridgeway’s name using his credit card, raising concerns about indirect political contributions.
In response to the allegations, Judge Ridgeway acknowledged that his conduct was improper and accepted the recommended sanction of admonition. The Commission emphasized the importance of judges adhering to the rules that prohibit political contributions, stating that judges cannot delegate authority to others to make such contributions on their behalf.
The Commission’s proceedings began with a Formal Written Complaint issued to Judge Ridgeway on August 2, 2024, which included two specific charges. On November 1, 2024, the Commission’s Administrator, Judge Ridgeway, and his legal representative reached an Agreed Statement of Facts, stipulating the circumstances and agreeing to the recommended sanction without further argument or submissions.
The Commission issued its determination on December 18, 2024, with all 11 members concurring.
Judge Ridgeway, who has served as a Justice since 2000, is not an attorney. His current term is set to expire on December 31, 2027. Prior to his position in Richland Town Court, he acted as a Justice of the Pulaski Village Court from 2001 until 2012.
