A Change Of Leadership At City’s Republican Committee

[A Press Release From The Saratoga Springs Republican Committee]

Immediate Release: 

SSGOP Chairman Mike Brandi announces that he is stepping down in advance of move to the Town of Wilton. Local Attorney and political veteran Gerard Parisi to assume role of Chairman with unanimous support of Republican Committee.

Chairman Brandi: “As I prepare to move to the Town of Wilton later this year, I have submitted my resignation as Chairman of the Saratoga Springs Republican Committee, effective March 13. I will serve as Vice Chair for the time being to ensure a smooth transition.

Serving as Chairman has been an honor and a privilege. Together, we strengthened the committee, supported capable candidates, and worked to ensure that voters had principled, responsible choices. Our work promoted transparency, accountability, and professionalism—principles that I hope will continue to guide the committee for years to come. We also went on offense, taking direct action to protect the taxpayers and ensure that our city functioned with integrity and according to the law.

Although I am stepping down from this position, I am not stepping away from the work. I will continue to stay engaged in the issues facing Saratoga Springs and will never hesitate to speak out and take action when transparency, accountability, and responsible government are lacking.

Politics is not for the faint of heart. It is the work of those willing to step into the arena, take risks, and stand for what they believe in, even in the face of criticism and against immense odds. I am grateful to have stood in that arena alongside so many dedicated volunteers, committee members, and candidates.

I leave knowing that the credit belongs to those who show up, who strive, and who fight for their community, as Teddy Roosevelt described them –  “those who dare greatly” and take action rather than simply watch from the sidelines.”

Under Brandi’s tenure as Chairman, the SSGOP committee enjoyed significant electoral success despite a substantial enrollment disadvantage. Candidates endorsed by City Republicans in contested elections won six of nine city races: Safford ’23 (win), Coll ’23 (win), Scirocco (loss – special election), Marshall (win – special election), Troisi ’25 (win), Kiernan ’25 (win), Safford ’25 (win), Marshall ’25 (loss), and Ehinger ’25 (loss).

Beyond the ballot box, Brandi also delivered victories in the courtroom, fighting for government transparency and against the misuse of taxpayer funds. His legal efforts saved taxpayers more than $100,000 that would otherwise have been spent unlawfully but for his intervention. Brandi also took efforts in the Courtroom to protect local elections, compelling the County Board of Elections to hold a special election when Democrats on the City Council attempted to cancel it after failing to nominate a candidate.

Brandi was also instrumental in uncovering misconduct by former Commissioner Dillon Moran, ultimately leading to Moran’s conviction for deliberately concealing public records on personal devices and issuing false certifications in violation of New York’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). The case marked a historic conviction under the state’s transparency laws.

In recognition of his work advancing open government, Brandi was honored by the New York State Coalition for Open Government with inclusion on its 2025 “Nice List.”

Local attorney and political veteran Gerard Parisi will assume the role of Chairman with the unanimous support of the Republican Committee. Brandi will remain on as Vice Chair to support Parisi in the transition. The committee is fully behind incoming chairman Parisi and looks forward to continued victories for the people of Saratoga Springs under his stewardship.

As a personal note from Mike Brandi to the recipients of this message, it has been a pleasure to work with our local press over the last few years. Despite the headwinds facing local media, we are blessed in this area to have a number of news sources who bring attention to issues in local government which might otherwise go unnoticed. Thank you, and please do not hesitate to reach out to me at any time.