Brighton’s Robin Wilt Faces Primary Challenge, Champions Diversity Amid Local Controversies

Robin Wilt

Brighton Town Board Member Robin Wilt is seeking re-election despite not receiving the endorsement of the town’s Democratic Committee, setting up a primary challenge that highlights divisions within the local party and raises broader questions about representation in government.

Wilt, first elected in 2017, has spent nearly eight years navigating the challenges of being a Black woman in local politics. A first-generation American and daughter of Caribbean immigrants, she has focused on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring marginalized groups have a voice in decision-making.

Now in her second term, Wilt is one of three candidates vying for two open seats. She secured about 40% of the committee vote but fell short of the majority needed for designation. The committee instead endorsed two candidates, including one without prior elected experience. Wilt argues this outcome reflects a broader trend of establishment politics favoring the status quo over progressive candidates.

“I still think that I represent the majority of Democrats in Brighton,” Wilt said. “That’s why I am running in the primary. It’s important that we give every Democrat in Brighton a voice, not just a small, hand-picked group.”

Wilt’s tenure includes leading efforts to establish Brighton’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advisory Board and helping the town become the first in Monroe County to hire a full-time chief diversity officer. She also pushed for the town’s Complete Streets policy to improve accessibility and supported a resolution affirming Brighton’s commitment to not cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

Her time in office has not been without controversy. Wilt’s vocal support for Palestinian human rights has sparked heated debate within the community.

“Human rights are not a zero-sum game,” Wilt told Minority Reporter.

She said advocating for Palestinian rights does not diminish her support for others. As a Black woman, she said, standing for human rights is essential.

“If people cared about human rights, it wouldn’t be controversial,” she said.

Some members of the Jewish community criticized her stance, leading to a petition for her removal as chair of the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advisory Board. Despite the backlash, Wilt remains firm in her belief that advocating for Palestinian human rights aligns with her broader commitment to justice.

“I’ve been mislabeled by a small segment of Brighton’s population,” she said. “It pains me to no end to be considered antisemitic when I am the person responsible for creating the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advisory Board.”

Wilt has also spoken about what she sees as a double standard for Black politicians, arguing that they often face heightened scrutiny and different expectations than their white counterparts.

“There are barriers that exist for Black politicians that don’t exist for others,” she said. “When I advocate for equity and justice, I am labeled as divisive, but when others do the same, it is considered leadership.”

Reflecting on her tenure, Wilt said, “I’ve often been the one to hold up the mirror and ask if we are truly living our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It’s not always well-received, but it’s necessary work.”

Despite lacking the Democratic Committee’s endorsement, Wilt remains confident about securing a third term. The committee’s designation process, however, has led her to question Brighton’s political dynamics.

“The committee is very divided. There’s been an effort to pack it with people of a certain perspective,” she said. “I still represent the majority of Democrats in Brighton, and that’s why I’m running.”

Wilt’s commitment to equity is personal. She recalled how her father, who immigrated from Guyana with $40, was racially profiled in Brighton and wrongly accused of stealing gas.

“Brighton is a community where African Americans are cited five times more than their white peers,” she said, citing a police department report. “It’s not like these things don’t still happen today.”

Wilt is gathering signatures and is confident she will exceed the 500 required to secure a spot on the June 24 Democratic primary ballot.

“The Democratic Committee represents only 1% of Democrats in Brighton,” she said. “The primary will be an opportunity to hear from all Democrats, not just the political elite. I am confident that when given the choice, voters will choose leadership that truly represents the values of our community.”

As the election approaches, Wilt’s legacy of advocating for marginalized voices, improving town infrastructure, and promoting diversity and inclusion remains intact. She has received endorsements from the New York Progressive Action Network and the Working Families Party.

Regardless of the election outcome, her work continues to shape Brighton’s future.