Joe Gerace steps down as head of city GOP

An era ends for the City of Batavia GOP as longtime chairman Joe Gerace resigns from the leadership position.

Gerace has led local Republicans for 15 years.

Gerace tells WBTA:

I have tried to the best of my ability to pull our party together and get our candidates elected, and truthfully, it has been stressful.

I believe I must think of my own health and my commitment to my supportive family.

The 76-year-old community activist has been honored as Italian of the Year by Batavia Downs (the first such award), been named Geneseean of the Year by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and has been a driving force behind Genesee Cancer Assistance since its inception.

Gerace submitted his letter of resignation last night, but plans to remain active in both the city and county GOP committees.

Councilman Jim Russell will serve as acting chairman until the party elects a new leader.