McCabe Enters Mayoral Race As Independent
Rick McCabe is entering the mayoral race in Rye on an independent ticket, joining GOP candidate Bill Henderson and Democratic candidate Josh Nathan (both sitting councilmen) to make it a three-way race this fall. Current Rye Mayor Josh Cohn is not seeking reelection.
McCabe ran for City Council on the GOP line in 2024 against Democrat James Ward, only to drop from the race in late September due to health concerns. He has since recovered. McCabe is a lifelong Rye resident best known for his service on the Rye Recreation Commission, where he has served since 2018. He became chairman of the commission in January 2024, replacing Bart DiNardo.
“Rye has given me so much throughout the course of my life. I feel like this is the best way that I can give back right now,” McCabe told MyRye.com. “From a professional standpoint and a community standpoint, I’ve always made every effort to be a consensus builder.”
I have a good handle on what the position is, what the city government needs to be focused on right now,” continued McCabe.
When asked what is on his list, he said one top issue is the comprehensive plan.
“Because of the comprehensive plan, downtown development and development across the city, clearly we have to really be focused on infrastructure, including our flooding and sewer issues that will continue to be at the forefront,” said McCabe. “And I don’t think there is any question that a city of our size has to remain fiscally responsible as we move forward.”
McCabe also mentioned the development of the Rye Arts Center property and how the City continues to develop recreation facilities and programs over time as top issues.
McCabe and the recreation commission spoke broadly in support of the artificial turf installation at Nursery Field, a project on the Milton Road Rye Recreation property that attracted a lot of attention pro and con. The project was finally affirmed last May, funded with $2.9 million in private dollars over the summer, and is expected to be delivered later this spring. The debate over the project was contentious across the council and between various residents and groups.
McCabe is multigenerational Rye, as is his wife Beth. His father served 31 years with Rye PD from 1974 to 2005. His family moved to an apartment on Walnut Street in 1979 from the Bronx when McCabe was seven years old. His parents still live in the same apartment.
McCabe and his sister went to Osborn Elementary and on through Rye High. McCabe and his wife bought his in-law’s Hix Park house in 2012 after initially living in Port Chester. They have two boys, ages 11 and 14 that attend the Rye schools.
Professionally, McCabe has worked in corporate communications and PR, on the corporate and agency side, largely focused on sports. He started in the 90s at Sports Illustrated and recently concluded a six year run at CBS. His wife is a career educator who teaches at the Rye Nature Center’s forest preschool.
As of now, McCabe has launched a solo run without an extended independent ticket offering council candidates. But that could change.
“I’ve had several conversations with people that are interested in joining an independent bid for the council,” said McCabe.
The general election is on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Here is McCabe’s announcement video:
