With state Sen. Peter Oberacker leaving his 51st District seat to run for Congress, a local assemblyman has joined the race to replace him.
Assemblyman Chris Tague, R-Schoharie, whose 102nd Assembly District covers much of the region, announced the news in a social media post Wednesday.
“I’m excited to announce my candidacy today for New York State Senate District 51 and am thrilled to have support from four dozen leaders you already know and trust,” he wrote. “I am eager to continue my fight to make our Catskill Region more affordable and safer — for today and tomorrow — so that our values don’t take backseat to those of radical New York City politicians.”
Tague faces a potential primary battle with former Ulster County Chairwoman Terry Blosser-Bernardo, who earlier announced her plans to run for the Senate seat.
Michele Frazier, a former Oneonta city councilmember and a Democrat who also has announced a run for the seat, reacted to Tague’s announcement Wednesday.
“I welcome Chris Tague to the race for State Senate District 51 and the opportunity to compare our records in public service — mine of leadership in service of the people versus his of hyperpartisanship in service of his own political ambition,” she said in a news release.