A progressive Onondaga County lawmaker in Syracuse is hoping to unseat one of Central New York’s longest-serving state legislators.
Maurice “Mo” Brown is challenging Bill Magnarelli in a race to represent New York state’s 129th Assembly District, which includes parts of the city of Syracuse and its western suburbs.
Magnarelli, who’s held the seat for nearly three decades, says he still has what it takes.
“I’ve learned where to go, how to get things done and to get results,” Magnarelli said.
Brown, who’s served as a county legislator for three years, said he can bring something new and fresh to the table.
“I think we need to invest in Syracuseans in a way we’ve not done before, and I’m running to do that,” Brown said.
The Democratic candidates share a lot of the same priorities, including affordability, housing, healthcare and human rights.
In elections past, Magnarelli has had little-to-no competition. Still, he says Brown’s challenge doesn’t faze him.
“I’m the better person for the job. I’ve been there for 28 years. I know what’s going on. I’ve got a track record that is second-to-none as far as the things that I’ve been able to do for Central New York,” the assemblyman said.
Brown believes it’s time to pass the torch.
“I still think we can do better than what he’s delivering, and that’s why I’m running, so that we can get better. We deserve better,” Brown said.
New York’s primary elections will be held Tuesday, June 23. Early voting runs from June 13 to June 21.