The Yonkers mayoral race is heating up as primary candidates are getting ready to head to court over fraud accusations.

Prominent civil rights attorney Michael Sussman stood at the steps of Yonkers City Hall Friday, voicing his support of Dr. Fred Hernandez for mayor. The Democratic educator is poised to face off against Mayor Mike Spano in a September primary.

With the race heating up, inflammatory accusations are being made on the incumbent's side.

Mayor Spano's campaign released a statement that says in part, "The only issue in the election process are the thousands of fraudulent signatures submitted by the Hernandez campaign."

Hernandez says that he received his signatures fairly, and that Spano sent a letter to his supporters in an attempt to win them over. GOP candidate Bill Nuckel says his supporters also received the letter.

Speaking with News 12 by phone from Florida, Nuckel called the letter sending a clever campaign strategy.

A judge is expected to review the petitions on Monday. Once a verdict is rendered, a Spano campaign spokesperson says the candidates should agree to abide by the court's decision.