Utica Common Councilman Joe Betar will run for a state Assembly seat being vacated by Democrat Marianne Buttenschon.
The 119th Assembly District covers Utica and Rome, and several surrounding communities in Oneida County.
Buttenschon, who was first elected to the Assembly in 2018, will not seek reelection in November.
“I was honored to help draft and pass legislation for our veterans, first responders, our youth, and seniors, to name a few,” Buttenschon said in a statement. “While these legislative and resource wins are important, the most rewarding part of my job has always been engaging directly with residents and business owners in the 119th Assembly District.”
Betar, who’s also an attorney, is currently in his second term representing Utica’s Third District on the Common Council. The Democrat defeated Scott Walrath to win reelection in November.
In a press release announcing his Assembly bid, Betar’s campaign said “his focus is on affordability, tax relief, and ensuring state policy reflects the needs of local communities.”