Former Prosecutor Mimi Rocah To Primary Westchester DA

SCARSDALE, NY — Former federal prosecutor and Scarsdale resident Mimi Rocah is seeking to replace Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino Jr. She made her announcement Wednesday on MSNBC's "Morning Joe."

"I believe in public service, and have been a public servant most of my career," Rocah, 49, a Democrat, said in a press release. "At this critical moment in our nation's history, we need to step up at every level of government to combat hate and ensure justice for all.

"In the words of my friend and former boss, Preet Bharara, I have always tried to 'do the right thing, for the right reasons in the right way.' As a prosecutor for the Southern District of New York, that meant standing up for victims; prosecuting illegal gun dealers, human traffickers, child predators and corrupt politicians to keep our communities safe," she said.

"Now, the opportunity to run for Westchester district attorney is a chance to do even more for my community and I am excited to announce my candidacy today," Rocah said.

From 2001 to 2017, Rocah served as assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York, and from 2012 to 2017, she served as the co-chairwoman of the White Plains Division.

Most recently, Rocah was the Pace University School of Law's Distinguished Fellow in Criminal Justice and a legal analyst for MSNBC and NBC News.

She has also served as the school safety chairwoman at her local elementary school and has been part of numerous forums in the county on sexual and domestic violence and online child predators.

Scarpino, a Democrat who lives in North Castle, handily won election in 2016 as district attorney over Bruce Bendish, a Republican.

The position had been vacated by Janet DiFiore when she resigned after being appointed New York State's Chief Judge.

Her predecessor was Jeanine Pirro, who is now a Fox News host and supporter of President Donald Trump.

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