NY22: GOP candidates talk Oneida County challenges, priorities
Steve HoweThere are two Republican candidates vying for the nomination in the Aug. 23 primary for New York's 22nd Congressional District.
The candidates are Steve Wells and Brandon Williams. Both candidates were given three prompts to introduce themselves, speak to Oneida County challenges and describe their legislative priorities.
The candidate responses are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
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Steve Wells
Introduce yourself to voters, as a candidate and person:
I am a Conservative Republican running for Congress and I am asking for your vote on August 23rd. I am endorsed by the Chair of the Oneida County Republican Party, local elected Republican leaders, the Utica Police Department PBA, and I am the only Republican candidate who lives in New York's 22nd Congressional District. As I talk with voters, it's clear Central New Yorkers are fed up with skyrocketing inflation, spikes in crime, and Biden's weak border policies. As a former criminal prosecutor and local family business owner, I understand these issues and I have the experience to address them.
What is the single biggest issue facing Oneida County residents?
The inflation crisis. President Joe Biden and far-left liberal Democrats have passed policies that are devastating Oneida County. So many residents already live paycheck to paycheck. Now, with the cost of essentials like gas and food skyrocketing, more local families have been forced to make difficult choices to make ends meet. If we let President Biden continue to tax and spend – the crisis will surely worsen. That's why I'm vowing to fight back against Joe Biden's reckless policies.
What would be your first legislative priority if elected?
As your Congressman, I will leverage my experience as a business owner to check President Biden's inflation driving policies. I will work to address the root causes of inflation by unleashing American energy independence to lower gasoline and energy prices for families. I will fight tax hikes and burdensome government regulations that harm small businesses and families. And I will fight back against trillion-dollar spending packages that expand the government and put our country further into debt.
Endorsements: U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr., state Senator Joseph A. Griffo, Rome Mayor Jacqueline M. Izzo, Oneida County Republican Chairman Pete Sobel, Madison County Republican Chairman Todd Rouse, Onondaga County Republican Chairwoman Benedicte Doran, Utica Police Department PBA, Onondaga County Sheriff Eugene Conway, Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood, Oswego County Sheriff Don Hilton.
Brandon Williams
Introduce yourself to voters, as a candidate and person:
I am an entrepreneur, a husband of thirty years, the father of two adult children, and a veteran of the U.S. Navy. But I am not a politician. My experience building a successful software company, defending America, and serving my family is what is needed in Congress right now. We need competency, not complacency. We do not need any more lawyers in Washington. I am the only pro-life, pro-2A, and Conservative in this race. I am signing up for one more tour of duty to serve the people of NY22 in Congress. Learn more about me at: letsvotebrandon.com.
What is the single biggest issue facing Oneida County residents?
Inflation/cost of living.
What would be your first legislative priority if elected?
The first legislative priority would be reigning in out-of-control government spending that is causing rampant inflation. As well as promote energy independence. My software company works with the oil and gas industry. I know how that works and how we can bring down the cost of energy.
Endorsements: The New York State Conservative Party, Madison County Conservative Party, Oneida County Conservative Party, Onondaga County Conservative Committee.