Broome County Man Enters Race for Hanna’s Congressional Seat

A Broome County Republican has thrown his hat into the race for Congress, targeting the seat that will be vacated when Congressman Richard Hanna retires at the end of the year, according to WBNG. George Phillips, a history teacher at a Catholic school near Binghamton, announced today that he will run for the seat.

Phillips is no stranger to running for Congress.  He unsuccessfully ran against Democrat Maurice Hinchey in 2008 and 2010.  Since then, the Congressional districts have been re-drafted and the southern-tier now includes parts of the Mohawk Valley and is now the 22nd Congressional district.  Phillips told WBNG that makeup of the new district will benefit him.

"This district has 30 thousand more registered Republicans so the Republican nominee has a great chance in this district but again I think voters are going to vote their hearts," says Phillips on WBNG.

Currently, one other Republican is the race.  Assemblywoman of New Hartford entered he race last year before Hanna announced his retirement. Additionally, several other people are considering a run for the seat, including locals Tony Picente, Senator Joe Griffo former State Senator Ray Meier and Democrat Anthony Brindisi.  Democrat David Gordon has also announced he's running.

The Congressional primary is in June.Watch the Phillips announcement video from Michael Vasquez, President of MV Consulting (YouTube Channel: MVConsultingInc):

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Political consultant and commentator Michael Vasquez ran for the office against Rep. Richard Hanna in 2014.]