The county’s political season will officially kick off next week — June 3 — when candidates start to circulate petitions, with the state-level elections probably gaining most of the attention in the county this fall.
All three of the county’s state legislative representatives will be up for re-election — state Sen. Catharine Young, R-Olean, Assemblyman William Parment, D-North Harmony, and fellow Assemblyman Joseph Giglio, R-Gowanda. Also, one state supreme court justice position will be up for election.
On the local level for the federal government, U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins, D-South Buffalo, will be up for re-election with at least one opponent. Last week, Daniel J. Humiston announced he will be running for the post as a member of the Independence Party, but has received the backing of the Republican party line. Humiston is the chain founder for Tanning Bed outlet stores.
The lone county election will be for Family Court judge. Current Judge Judith Claire announced last week that she will again be running for the post with a 10-year term.
Earlier this month, Philip A. Cala, Jamestown attorney, also declared his candidacy for the office.
On the local scene, town posts available include Gerry and Ripley town justice, Busti highway superintendent, Pomfret town council and Ellicott 4th Ward town council.
The Board of Elections will receive all petitions for candidates July 7-10 and town caucus selections will happen on Sept. 16.
The fall elections will begin with primaries Tuesday, Sept. 9 and the general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 4.
