Oswego County Town Justice Admonished After Donating Over $6K to Stop Republicans, ActBlue, Bernie Sanders
Justice James H. Ridgeway donated thousands of dollars to several organizations, violating judicial rules that prohibit political activity by judges.
The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct has determined that James H. Ridgeway, a Justice of the Richland Town Court in Oswego County, should be admonished for making more than $6,000 in prohibited political contributions. Judge Ridgeway, who agreed to the admonition, was found to have violated judicial rules that prohibit political activity by judges.
The Commission’s investigation revealed that Judge Ridgeway, who also worked for the United Steelworkers Union (USW), made the following contributions either directly or through others:
$3,311 in payroll deductions to the USW political action fund (2006–2017)
$824 to ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform (2006–2016)
$265 to Senator Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign (2015–2016)
Contributions totaling $1,628 made by his wife through his credit card to ActBlue and “Stop Republicans” (2019–2023)
The Commission emphasized that judges must refrain from engaging in political activities, including making direct or indirect contributions to political organizations or candidates.
Judge Ridgeway acknowledged the impropriety of his actions and admitted ignorance of the judicial rules governing political contributions. He has committed to adhering strictly to these rules in the future.
The Commission issued a unanimous decision to admonish Ridgeway, noting that public discipline was appropriate given the circumstances.
“Judges are prohibited from making political contributions, and they cannot grant or cede authority to others to make such contributions for them,” said Commission Administrator Robert H. Tembeckjian. “Judge Ridgeway was cooperative and candidly admitted ignorance... He also committed to strict adherence going forward.”
The determination, filed on December 18, 2024, was transmitted to the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals on January 7, 2025. Ridgeway may request a review of the decision within 30 days; otherwise, the Commission’s admonition will stand.
Judge Ridgeway has served as Justice of the Richland Town Court since 2000, with his current term expiring on December 31, 2027. He previously served as Acting Justice of the Pulaski Village Court from 2001 to 2012.
Since 1978, the Commission has issued 288 admonitions, 185 removals, and 352 censures. Of the 102 reviewed by the Court of Appeals, 86 sanctions were upheld, with others modified or dismissed.