Swell of GOP support follows Gallahan’s announcement that he’s running
– By Josh Durso
Manchester Town Supervisor Jeff Gallahan, a Republican, has entered the race for New York State Assembly in the 131st District.
Earlier this week, longtime Assemblyman Brian Kolb announced that he would not seek re-election.
Gallahan has been active in the community, and local politics for decades. He owns CR7 Catering & Food with his wife Lynn, and has worked in sales for the last 30 years.
He’s also served on a number of community boards and organizations including the Clifton Springs YMCA, Ontario County SCOPE.
Gallahan is seeking the support and endorsement of the Republican, Conservative, and Independence parties.
“Over the last year we have seen the consequences of one party, progressive control over our state government. From bail reform to bag bans, Cuomo and the Albany progressives are failing us. It’s time to stand up for upstate and I look forward to fighting side by side with Senator Helming for the values we share,” said Gallahan in a press release late-Friday. “Out of touch politicians are turning the Empire State into an empty state. It’s time to start New York’s comeback and that begins with sending new people with real world experience to Albany.”
Those supporting Gallahan’s candidacy in the 131st include:
- Senator Pam Helming (54th District)
- Jack Marren, Chairman, Ontario County Board of Supervisors
- Matt Hoose, Ontario County Clerk
- Gary Baxter, Ontario County Treasurer
- Peter Ingalsbe, Farmington Town Supervisor
- Todd Campbell, West Bloomfield Town Supervisor
- Frederick Lightfoote, Gorham Town Supervisor
- Frederick Wille, East Bloomfield Town Supervisor
- Tamara Hicks, Naples Town Supervisor
- Gregory Bendzlowicz, City of Geneva Supervisor
- Cathy Menikotz, Canandaigua Town Supervisor
- Kris Singer, Canadice Town Supervisor
- Norman Teed, Phelps Town Supervisor
- Chris Catt, First Vice Chairman, Ontario County Republican Committee and Victor Town Chairman
- Bonnie Lew, Chairwoman, Town of Farmington Republican Committee
- Yvonne Chavez, Chairwoman, Town of Canandaigua Republican Committee
- Jeff Trickey, Chairman, Town of Hopewell Republican Committee
- Tim Maher, Chairman, Ontario County SCOPE
- John Hicks, former County Administrator and former DEC Regional Director
Senator Helming outlined her support for Gallahan. “He is someone who truly cares about the people he represents. As a father, grandfather and small business owner he understands the important issues and challenges we face. He will be a great partner in our fight to preserve and protect upstate values,” she said. “Jeff is a leader who builds consensus and gets the job done. We need more people like him in Albany and I look forward to working with him when he is elected.”
Meanwhile, Chairman Marren said Gallahan has been a staunch supporter of taxpayers in Ontario County. “He knows what it means to truly be a servant leader. He is respected by those who have the privilege to work with him everyday. He is a leader, not a career politician. We can count on him to fight for the issues we can about in Albany,” he said.
That makes for two known candidates in the race to succeed Assemblyman Kolb. Democrat Matt Miller has been campaigning for the last several months.
Josh is the president and publisher of FingerLakes1.com. Have a question? Send them to [email protected].