A self-described conservative community leader announced on Monday her intention to run for the New York state Assembly.
Chanda King said she will run as a Republican for the state Assembly’s 118th District seat, which is being vacated by Robert Smullen as he is running for Congress.
King is a Gloversville native and lifelong resident of the area.
“This decision is mine,” King said in a statement. “No one recruited me, no one raised me, no one gave me permission that it’s my turn. I stand on my own feet. I believe women can be strong, capable leaders without abandoning faith, family, or traditional values. I don’t believe strength requires apology, and I don’t believe leadership requires abandoning who we are. I’m running because I see what’s happening to our communities, and I believe it’s time to step forward, not for a title, not as a stepping stone or for attention, but because our way of life is worth standing up for.”
King said she and her husband are deeply connected to the local church and agricultural communities.
The 118th District is made up of parts of Herkimer, Hamilton, Fulton, Montgomery, Oneida and Otsego counties.