The congressional race in Central New York between Democrat Francis Conole and Republican Brandon Williams will be one to watch in a close race for power in the House of Representatives.
Francis Conole, an Iraq War veteran, told Capital Tonight that he’s running because the country and his community faces “incredible challenges and a multitude of crises” that he wants to confront.
Conole is looking to flip a district that has been represented, prior to redistricting, mostly by Republican Rep. John Katko. Katko, a moderate Republican who voted for the second impeachment of former President Donald Trump, decided to retire rather than run for re-election, leaving the seat open.
Two issues that will be front and center in this race and every race in the country are the rising cost of living and public safety. On the cost of living, Conole said he is critical of the response from both parties and calls for a suspension to the federal gas tax to help alleviate the pain at the pump.
On public safety, Conole said that he is not supportive of the defund the police movement and says that he believes in funding the police and giving them adequate resources and training to better address violent crimes and serve their community.