BUFFALO, N.Y. — New York state Assemblymember Jon Rivera will go up against New York state Sen. Jeremy Zellner in this year’s Democratic primary for New York’s 61st state Senate Seat.
What You Need To Know
Democratic primaries for New York will take place on June 23
Assemblymember Jonathan Rivera and state Sen. Jeremy Zellner are running for the nomination in the 61st Senate District
Zellner won the special election for the seat back in February.
“Affordability is what we ran on and we’ve been working really hard to make people’s lives a little easier,” Zellner said.
Zellner has only been in the Senate for a few months. He won the seat formerly held by Sean Ryan in a special election in February after Ryan resigned to become mayor of Buffalo.
His opponent, Jonathan Rivera, has been part of the Assembly for the past five years.
“We’re talking about healthcare. We’re talking about auto insurance. We’re talking about a first-time homebuyer,” said Rivera.
Both candidates are running with skills they’ve learned in their current positions in state government.
“I have more experience here. Being able to pass legislation, being able to work with and garner support among my colleagues to get things done,” Rivera said.
“We’re trying to protect our neighbors. And we’re also trying to push back on the attack on our state from the federal government,” said Zellner.
Zellner is focusing on expanding things like prescription drugs and lowering utility costs, while Rivera wants to reinvest in the district and protect health insurance.
“Those that hold a title, those that occupy a space, what is perceived to be in power, they’re doing it on behalf of other people, not themselves,” said Rivera.
“Whether it’s helping someone on a campaign, running for office, becoming involved in whatever political party that you want to belong [to] and voting,” said Zellner.
New York’s primary elections will be held June 23. Early voting runs from June 13 to June 21.