Oneida County Republicans Endorse Wells, Not Tenney, for Congress

The Oneida County Republican committee made a surprise announcement on Saturday morning regarding the Congressional race to fill the seat of Congressman Richard Hanna. They have endorsed Madison County candidate Steve Wells, and not New Hartford's Claudia Tenney.  Wells is from Chittenango in Madison County.

Sources at the committee meeting say Wells won on the first ballot between 5 candidates.

Oneida County Executive Tony Picente said he was surprised at how quickly the committee arrived at their decision, endorsing Wells on the first ballot.

"I supported Steve Wells and I truly believe he’s the best candidate for our party and our area in this race.  I’m pleased that our committee endorsed him and look forward to supporting him in the upcoming primary."

Tenney did not seek the County's endorsement two years ago when she challenged Congressman Hanna. One party member told WIBX that it was obvious at the time that the committee would endorse Hanna, in part because he was a sitting Republican Congressman from the county.  This time, the committee member said, Tenney worked hard to lobby the committee for their endorsement.

WIBX has reached out to Tenney and Wells for comment.

Herkimer County also decided not to endorse Tenney. Instead, they chose not to endorse any candidates.  Currently, Wells, Tenney and George Phillips of the Binghamton area will face off on the Republican side in June.

The Republican Primary for Congress is June 28th.