Hon. Rita Mella wins as Surrogate Court Judge
primary election to become New York
County’s Surrogate Court judge.
Judge Rita Mella garnered 60 percent of the vote against Barbara Jaffe in the primary elections held this past Thurs., Sept. 13th to become Surrogate Court Judge of New York County.
Judge Mella, who settled in Washington Heights in 1986, will now be handling matters including, but not limited to adoptions, guardianship, custody issues, wills and estates.
“I’m delighted with my victory in the primary election,” said Judge Mella.
“Credit goes to the hundreds of people who contributed to my campaign in so many ways, as well as the more than 26,000 voters in every part of Manhattan who took the time to consider the choice and cast their votes in my favor.
I am touched and grateful. Thank you.”
She will succeed Judge Kristin Booth Glen, who will be retiring at the end of this year.
Judge Mella, who came to the United States from the Dominican Republic at age 22, will be the first New York City surrogate of Dominican ancestry.
