Son, Grandson of Franklin Florence Enter Rochester Politics Together

Clifford A. Florence Sr and Clifford A. Florence Jr. are the son and grandson of the late Rev. Franklin Florence - Provided Photo

A father and son will make local history Thursday as they file petitions to run for office together in the city of Rochester — a first for Monroe County.

Clifford A. Florence Sr. and Clifford A. Florence Jr., the son and grandson of the late Rev. Franklin D. Florence, a noted civil rights leader, are launching campaigns for local office. Florence Sr. is running for mayor, while his son is seeking a seat on the City Council. They plan to file their petitions at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Monroe County Board of Elections.

The elder Florence is the son of the late Rev. Franklin D. Florence Sr., a prominent minister known for his leadership during the 1964 Rochester race riots and his advocacy for racial equity in employment at companies such as Eastman Kodak and Xerox.

“Given the decline in the quality of life and opportunity over the past five years in our great city, we felt compelled to run for public office to create the same positive change and hope that my father established in 1964,” Florence Sr. said in a statement.

Florence Jr., who has been active at City Council meetings, said he often felt dismissed by local leaders and called for a return to leadership grounded in Rochester’s civil rights legacy.

“The only true form of hope comes from those who were raised in the rich history of our city,” he said. “I have never forgotten those who brought forth ideas and change that gave people like my grandfather hope for a better, brighter tomorrow.”

Both campaigns are being fueled by grassroots support from across Rochester. The candidates said they are focused on restoring trust in local government and uplifting city residents.