Among six Democrats signed up to debate for a state Assembly seat Friday on Spectrum News 1 is Ginnie Farrell, the Albany Common Council majority leader who on Thursday received the backing of the assemblymember they hope to succeed. 

Assemblywoman Pat Fahy, who is running for state Senate, endorsed Farrell, who previously worked for Fahy, for the 109th Assembly District, saying in a statement that Farrell is ready to "hit the ground running on Day One.”

Farrell works as committee director for the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee.

“Having worked on her first Assembly campaign and working closely with her for her first two terms in office, I learned a great deal working for Pat and my hope is to continue her legacy of dedicated service to the 109th Assembly District,” Farrell said. 

Democrats running to represent the district will debate starting at 7 p.m. Friday. The event will be moderated by Capital Tonight's Susan Arbetter.

The five other participants are Albany Common Councilmember Owusu Anane, who represents the city's 10th Ward and teaches at Woodland Hill Montessori School in East Greenbush; Albany Councilmember Gabriella Romero, a public defender who represents the 6th Ward; Jack Flynn, the former chair of the Albany County Democratic Committe and an Albany Councilmember representing the 8th Ward; Dustin Reidy, an Albany County legislator who has served as campaign manager for Rep. Paul Tonko; and former chairperson of the Albany County Legislature Andrew Joyce, an analyst at the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

The 109th District represents the city of Albany and parts of some Albany County suburbs like Guilderland and New Scotland. The primary election is June 25. Early voting starts Saturday.

Fahy is running for the 46th Senate District seat being vacated by Sen. Neil Breslin, who is retiring.