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Wiedrick Road By Erika Aftuck

Ashley Smith Launches Campaign for Cattaraugus County District Attorney

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CATTARAUGUS COUNTY ATTORNEY, EXPERIENCED PROSECUTOR 

From Ashley Smith for District Attorney,

(Allegany, NY) Cattaraugus County Attorney and experienced prosecutor Ashley Smith today launched her campaign for District Attorney in this year’s election. Smith is a lifelong Republican and lifelong resident of Cattaraugus County. This election will be for an open seat following incumbent Lori Reiman’s recent announcement that she will not run for re-election.

“We need principled Republican leadership in the District Attorney’s Office for the next four years and beyond,” said Smith. “I’m running on a platform of law and order that prioritizes the rights of crime victims and law-abiding citizens. I’ll stand against flawed Democrat policies like Bail Reform that coddle criminals instead of delivering justice.”

“As an experienced trial attorney, I’m ready to step in the role of District Attorney on Day One,” added Smith. “One of my top priorities will be tackling the fentanyl and opioid crisis, which has devastated families across and throughout the Southern Tier. I’ll aggressively prosecute dangerous drug dealers who peddle poison, while finding alternative solutions for addicts who are willing to put in the work to get better and become productive members of society.”

Since 2020, Ashley has served as Cattaraugus County Attorney following her unanimous appointment by the County Legislature. In this role, she has prosecuted serious cases involving neglect and abuse, family offenses, juvenile delinquency and more. She also prosecutes civil cases on behalf of the County, serves as legal counsel to the County Legislature and 24 county departments, supervises a staff of 14, and manages a $1.5 million office budget.

Prior to being promoted to her current role, Ashley served as First Assistant Social Services Attorney, where she handled serious cases involving child protective services, abuse and neglect, custody, child support, adult protection, and more.

Earlier in her career, Ashley worked in private legal practice at Bly, Sheffield, Bargar & Pillittieri in Jamestown, was elected as Leon Town Justice, and served as Municipal Attorney for the City of Salamanca, Towns of Napoli and New Albion, and Village of Cattaraugus. She has also served on the New York State Attorney for the Children Panel and is a member of the American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, Jamestown Bar Association, and Cattaraugus County Bar Association.

As a lifelong resident of Cattaraugus County, Ashley has made giving back to our community a priority throughout her life and career. She has volunteered as a member of the Board of Directors for the YWCA of Jamestown, as a Mock Trial Coach at Panama High School, and assisted indigent community members at Southern Tier Legal Services. 

Additionally, Ashley is well known in the local Republican Party. She is a member of the Cattaraugus County Republican Committee and is the President of the Cattaraugus County Republican Women’s Club.

“I won’t apologize for being a lifelong conservative Republican. Principles and values matter – especially when it comes to how prosecutors approach their cases,” added Smith. “Voters won’t have to guess where I stand on the issues. I’ll be tough on crime and will work hard every day to put dangerous criminals in prison, where they belong.”

Ashley lives in Allegany and is the proud mom of four. She is a graduate of Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School, Gannon University and Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Primary Election Day is slated for June 24, 2025, while the General Election will be held on November 4, 2025. Early Voting and Absentee Voting will be available for both elections.

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