Ontario County District Attorney Jim Ritts to Retire in October After More Than Two Decades of Service

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. — Ontario County District Attorney Jim Ritts has officially announced his retirement, effective October 10, 2025, marking the end of a legal career that has spanned more than 20 years in the DA’s office, including nearly eight years as the county’s top prosecutor.

Ritts, who had signaled earlier this year that he intended to seek reelection on a different political line after losing the Republican primary to challenger Jason MacBride, confirmed his decision in an interview with 13 WHAM News. While political developments played a role in the backdrop of his departure, Ritts cited personal reasons as the driving force behind the decision.

“I’m healthy, but just realizing that life is short,” Ritts said. “Taking this time to spend with my wife, who has certainly sacrificed for the last 26 years, and spend more time with our son, will be a nice thing to do.”

Career and tenure as DA

Ritts began his career in the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office more than two decades ago, working in various roles before being appointed and later elected as DA. Throughout his tenure, he became known for his work in expanding treatment court initiatives, strengthening partnerships with law enforcement, and prosecuting some of the county’s most high-profile cases.

He was appointed DA in 2017 following the retirement of Michael Tantillo, later winning election to the role. Since then, Ritts has overseen thousands of cases, ranging from violent felonies to drug offenses, while also promoting diversionary programs aimed at rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.

Controversy and political challenge

His final year in office was clouded by controversy stemming from the widely publicized “Fall Fest” 2024 incident, in which members of the DA’s staff were found to have consumed alcohol inside a county courtroom during an office gathering. The incident violated county policy and drew sharp criticism, ultimately becoming a central issue during the June Republican primary.

Ritts lost that contest to Jason MacBride, a former Ontario County prosecutor, setting the stage for a heated general election in November. While Ritts initially indicated he would pursue reelection on another party line, he has since opted to retire instead.

Focus on transition and legacy

Ritts emphasized that the timing of his departure was carefully chosen to allow him to finish pending cases and support individuals currently engaged in treatment court programs before handing over the office to new leadership. He also noted that much of his staff would be leaving alongside him, signaling a significant transition period for the county’s prosecution team.

“Leaving this role is bittersweet,” Ritts said. “But I want to make sure the office, the courts, and most importantly the people of Ontario County are in a good place before I step away.”

What comes next

Following his retirement, it will fall to Ontario County leaders to ensure continuity in the DA’s office until the next election is finalized. Meanwhile, Ritts says his focus will shift away from the courtroom and toward family life.

For many, his departure marks the end of an era in Ontario County’s criminal justice system—one defined by both accomplishments in prosecution and reform, as well as challenges that tested the office’s credibility in the public eye.