Thomas Roach (mayor)


Thomas M. Roach Jr. is an American politician and attorney serving as 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 law 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. He is also a cancer survivor.

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.
In February 2011, Bradley announced his resignation as mayor, following his December 2010 conviction for attempted assault and harassment of his wife, which was later overturned in 2013. Roach, who was as President of the Common Council at the time, ascended to the Office of Mayor of the City of White Plains. Roach subsequently won a March 31, 2011, special election to fill the remainder of Bradley's term.

Election results