Democrat James Meyers is challenging longtime incumbent Republican Joseph Griffo for the 53rd Senate District seat. 

“And I like to ask folks, well, if things aren’t getting better, why would go with the same representation we’ve had for so long?,” said Meyers.

“We need to create economic opportunity," said Griffo. "We need to be able to keep young people here and show them that there are opportunities that they can take advantage of."

Youth gun violence has impacted the Utica area heavily, and both candidates feel that youth need more outlets. 

“There’s not a lot of activities, different programs for youth to do after school," Meyers said. "What happened to Boys & Girls Clubs, for example?

“It’s getting them more involvement, engagement and extracurricular activities that are positive," Griffo said. "It’s keeping an eye on where the guns are coming from and it’s revising some of the laws that I think and policies that are actually exacerbating this issue right now."

“My opponent who’s been around for 20 years is the definition of the status quo," Meyers said. "He’s been in the Senate almost 20 years and he’s been a politician his entire life."

“I have the energy," Griffo said. "I have the skillset. I have a true concern and love for this area."

Griffo hasn’t had a challenger since 2010.