A third Republican has entered the race for New York’s 130th Assembly District, further expanding a contest that may soon be for an open seat.
Gerald “Jerry” Fremouw, the longtime mayor of the Village of Clyde, announced he is seeking the Republican nomination for the district, citing decades of municipal leadership and involvement in statewide local government organizations.
Fremouw said he is running based on his experience as Clyde mayor for the past 18 years, a 10-year member of the New York Conference of Mayors executive committee, and his role as Wayne County village officials president for the past 12 years. In his announcement, Fremouw framed his candidacy around extending what he described as “positive leadership” across the full 130th Assembly District.
His entry makes him the third Republican to formally announce intentions to run for the seat.
Earlier this week, Lyons attorney and town councilman George D. Dobbins disclosed that he is seeking the Republican nomination, pitching himself to party leaders as a conservative focused on jobs, schools, and public safety. Dobbins, a Georgetown University Law Center graduate and attorney with Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP, emphasized working-class issues, changes to state bail and discovery laws, and a renewed focus on basic education and the skilled trades.
Former Marion Town Supervisor Summer Johnson also announced her candidacy, pointing to her experience overseeing municipal operations, managing budgets, and working with county and state agencies. Johnson said her campaign will focus on public safety, fiscal responsibility, local control, and limited government, while stressing accountability in Albany. She also highlighted her personal connection to service as the spouse of a disabled veteran.
The district is currently represented by Republican Assemblyman Brian Manktelow. While Manktelow has not publicly announced his intentions for 2026, all three candidates have independently told FingerLakes1.com that they have been informed he does not plan to seek another term. That information has not been independently confirmed, and Manktelow has not issued a public statement on the matter.
Each candidate has offered praise for Manktelow’s tenure and service, while positioning themselves as part of the district’s next chapter.
The 130th Assembly District includes parts of Wayne, Cayuga, Monroe, and Ontario counties. With multiple Republicans now vying for the nomination — and uncertainty surrounding the incumbent — the race is shaping up to be one of the region’s most closely watched contests heading into 2026.
Additional campaign announcements and party committee activity are expected in the coming weeks.
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