Utica, NY (WIBX) - Three people have expressed interest in screening for the Republican party's endorsement to run in a special election to replace RoAnn Destito in the Assembly, according to George Mitchell, chairman of the Oneida County Republican Committee.

Mitchell said he could not, at this point, disclose the name of all three, but did confirm one of them is Greg Johnson. Mitchell did not want to name all three until all of the party's committee members are notified, he said. The official announcment of the candidates may come later this week, he said.

Johnson, a Republican, was defeated by Destito for the 116th district assembly seat in November.

Mitchell said a candidate will be endorsed by the party on April 26th, following a screening process.

Last week, local attorney and Utica school board member Anthony Brindisi was unanimously endorsed by county Democrats to run for the seat.

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