Congressional races for New York's 22nd and 24th Districts are beginning to take shape.
Utica-area Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi announced Thursday that he will not run to replace retiring Rep. Richard Hanna (R-Barneveld). The Democratic Assemblyman said in a statement that he can do more for the Mohawk Valley region by staying in the New York Legislature.
"For the first time in decades, there is a sense of optimism in the Mohawk Valley," Brindisi said in a statement. "I want to continue to work to make sure our area receives a fair share of state attention to attract and retain good-paying jobs. I want to keep fighting to change our state’s inequitable education funding formula, so that every student, no matter their zip code, receives the quality education the state should provide. I also want to continue to fight for much-needed reforms, to end the corruption that has plagued Albany, so people can have faith in their state government again."
Meanwhile, two Republicans have announced they will run for Hanna's seat. Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney, who lost to Hanna in a tight 2014 primary, and George Phillips of Binghamton.
In the race for the 24th Congressional District, Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner today endorsed Colleen Deacon, a former staffer for Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. Deacon has also received endorsements from Gillibrand and Sen. Charles Schumer. Two other Democrats who are competing for the party's ticket in the district include Syracuse University Professor Eric Kingson and Syracuse lawyer Steve Williams. Incumbent Rep. John Katko, a Republican, has said he will run for reelection.