David A. Renzi announces bid for Jefferson County Court judge

WATERTOWN, NY – David A. Renzi today announced that he is running for Jefferson County Court judge, a position up for election on this year’s ballot.

Renzi, a Jefferson County native, has nearly 24 years of experience in all facets of the court:

  • More than three years in the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office (April 1995 to July 1998)

  • Four years in the Jefferson County Public Defender’s Office, as chief public defender (July 1998 to July 2002)

  • Sixteen years at Brown, Dierdorf & Renzi, a private law practice in Watertown that he heads and where he’s assisted thousands of local residents and several municipalities with both civil and criminal matters. (September 2002 to present)

  • Five years as acting Watertown City Court Judge (April 2014 to present)

  • Seven years as Town of Watertown justice (January 2012 to present)

“Judge Kim Martusewicz has been a capable public servant for the past 20 years, and I thank him for his service to Jefferson County,” said Renzi. “I will be spending next 10 months talking to voters about my credentials and why I believe I’m best equipped to be their next county court judge.”

Renzi, 50, graduated from Watertown High School in 1987, received a bachelor of arts degree at Siena College, Loudonville, in 1991, and earned his juris doctorate from Syracuse University in 1994.

Renzi was appointed as commissioner on the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics in December 2011, a position he held until 2017.

He married the former Jessica Lynch in 2005 and the couple have three children. Jess, a former aide to Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, is now director of commercial leasing for Washington Street Properties LLC.

Renzi is an avid outdoorsman, who enjoys hunting, fishing, skiing and hiking. If elected, the judge will preside over all criminal matters in Jefferson County as well as have ultimate review and authority over pistol permits issued here.

The candidate will seek the Republican line in the upcoming election for the 10-year term, and possibly others.

Retired Supreme Court Judge Hugh Gilbert and retired Watertown City Court Judge James Harberson have endorsed Renzi for the county court position.

“I’m proud to support David’s candidacy,” said Judge Gilbert. “I have known him and observed his work for many, many years. He has the temperament, experience and character and I know he is the right person to ensure fair outcomes as a Jefferson County Court judge.”

Added Judge Harberson: “David began his legal career prosecuting matters in my court nearly 25 years ago. He has excelled as a prosecutor, a defender and as a judge. He is the right person with the right experience and I am honored to give him my endorsement.”