Tom Carle kicked off his campaign recently at Downtown Brew in Fredonia.

A previous candidate for Congress has received Democratic party backing in the race for District 23.

Tom Carle recently hosted his campaign launch at Downtown Brew in Fredonia. The event was filled with family, friends, and supporters.

Carle spoke about his life growing up on a farm and working towards his education, his years owning a small business, and his success in larger enterprises as a labor negotiator.

Carle spoke about the “kitchen table issues” that affect the people of this district; things like housing insecurity, the struggle to be without health care, and the need to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Introducing Carle was Marcia Westling Johnson, chairwoman of the Chautauqua County Democratic Committee, Alexander Maccallini representing Clarence Democrats, and Rob Sells, Fredonia educator, activist, and friend of Carle’s.

All speakers recognized Carle’s strong work ethic throughout his life, him as a father, and a person who will not be afraid to stand up and fight. They also lamented frustrations over the current situation in Congress.

“Now, more than ever, we need doers, collaborators, common sense folks, people not interested in fighting each other but fighting for what’s right for this country. Tom Carle is that guy,” Maccallini said. “District 23 is a very diverse district, spanning from the suburbs of Erie County to the shores of Chautauqua County, to the farming valleys of Tioga County. We have a coalition of hardworking people everywhere in between dedicated to getting the job done.”

Visit www.carle4congress.com, find Tom Carle on Facebook and Instagram, or email carle4congress@gmail.com for more information about the campaign.