Cazenovia resident and businessman Steve Wells announced his candidacy this week for New York’s redrawn 22nd Congressional District.
Wells, a founding partner of the American Food and Vending Corporation, announced his candidacy for the 22nd Congressional District on Wednesday, May 18. New York’s newly redrawn 22nd district includes Onondaga, Tompkins, Madison, Southern Cayuga and Northern Cortland counties.
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Wells: ‘It’s time to devote myself in Congress’ to NY-22
Redistricting maps drawn by court-appointed expert Dr. Jonathan Cervas are expected to be finalized on Friday. You can view the proposed congressional district map here.
If the bounds of NY-22 remain the same in the finalized map, Wells could have a real shot in the GOP primary and general election. Wells ran for a previous version of NY-22 in 2016. He lost the Republican primary to current U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney.
“I know there are big problems before us, but I also know my real-world experience has uniquely equipped me to solve them,” said Wells, according to The Citizen. “I’ve been so blessed to grow my business and raise my family right here in NY-22. Now, it’s time to devote myself in Congress to make sure the community I love is safe and prosperous for future generations to live the American Dream right here in central New York.”
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Other GOP candidates could switch districts
Tompkins County Legislator Mike Sigler and Brandon Williams were the only two GOP candidates in NY-22 before the Court of Appeals tossed out district maps drawn by the state Legislature. Until new district maps are finalized, it remains unclear whether either candidate will continue to run in the redrawn 22nd district or opt to run in another district.
Onondaga County Republican Chairwoman Benedicte Doran and Madison County Republican Chairman Todd Rouse expressed their support for Wells’ decision to run in the 22nd district.
The primary election will be held on Tuesday, August 23. It was originally planned for June until the court battle over district maps ultimately delayed the primary.
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