Democrat Roger Misso is staying in the race for central New York’s 24th Congressional District. Three candidates will compete for the Democratic nomination in a June primary. The winner will take on Rep. John Katko (R-Camillus) in November.
Misso, a navy veteran, who was raised in Red Creek, said the district is more than 50% rural and his campaign stands with communities that feel left behind.
“Because I don’t want my two kids to feel like I did growing up in Red Creek," Misso said. "We never saw our member of Congress. We never saw our state representatives. Government was a thing other people did and we were ignored and overlooked.”
Misso said what supporters say they like about him is he doesn't talk like a normal politician.
“You sound like somebody who grew up here," Misso said. "You sound like you understand our issues and what it’s like to live here. And you care. I think that’s what people are looking for in a representative and our next member of Congress; somebody who gets it.”
He has raised close to $400,000, according to the latest FEC filing.
“It’s significant," Misso said. "I didn’t inherit that. I didn’t come from a wealthy family. I didn’t run once before. We have earned this and built this momentum by putting in the hard work.”
But Misso is still trailing behind Democrats Francis Conole and Dana Balter in total fundraising. He has about $130,000 left.
Misso also lacks an endorsement from any of the party's county committees. Conole won the endorsements of the Onondaga and Cayuga counties' Democratic committees. And Dana Balter, the Democratic nominee in the 2018 race, has the endorsement of the Oswego County Democratic Committee. The Wayne County committee declined to endorse anyone.
