TROY >> Candidates for federal, state, county and city races have been announced for both sides as political parties gear up for this year’s elections.
The Rensselaer County Republican Party announced the bulk of its candidates back in March while the county Democratic Party announced its group of candidates for the elections in November. Up for election are congressional seats, the governor’s seat, state Senate and Assembly seats, county district attorney’s seat and three City Court judge positions.
One of the key races will be between incumbent Gov. Andrew Cuomo, with his running mate for lieutenant governor, former Congresswoman Kathy Hochul, against Republican Gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino, current Westchester County executive, and his running mate for lieutenant governor Christopher Moss, who is currently Chemung County sheriff.
Congressional races have been settled as the 20th congressional district will see a contest between incumbent Rep. Paul Tonko and Saratoga County businessman and Republican candidate Jim Fischer. In the 19th congressional district, Rep. Chris Gibson will face off against Democratic challenger Sean Eldridge.
Several state Legislature seats will be contested as Sen. Kathy Marchione, R-Halfmoon, will see a challenge in the 43rd Senate District from Dr. Brian Howard, who has spent most of his career in various levels of education.
A Republican challenger for Sen. Neil Breslin, D-Delmar, in the 44th Senate District has not been announced.
There will be several contests in the state assembly as Assembly John McDonald, D-Cohoes, will face a challenge from Carl Gottstein Jr., in the 108th Assembly District. Republican Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin will run against Democratic candidate and East Greenbush Town Board member Philip Malone.
On the county-wide level, the district attorney’s seat recently vacated by state Supreme Court Judge Richard McNally and held down by Arthur Glass, will be up for grabs, as current Assistant District Attorney Carmelo Laquidara will go up against Republican candidate and local prosecutor Joel Abelove.
There will be two Troy City Court judge seats available as well, following the state Legislature’s approval of an additional full-time city judge position. For the Democrats, incumbent Chris Maier and current city corporation counsel Ian Silverman will be running against Republican challenger and local attorney Jill Kehn.
The annual salary for each full-time judge position is $113,900.
Primary elections are scheduled for noon to 9 p.m. Sept. 9, while the general election is scheduled for 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 4.
Andrew Beam may also be reached at 270-1294.
