Unshackle Upstate Announces Legislative Endorsements

October 6th, 2020

Unshackle Upstate, through its political action committee UPAC, has announced its slate of 2020 legislative endorsements. The bipartisan list is comprised of 19 Senate candidates and 29 Assembly candidates.

“Now, more than ever, we need to elect legislators who will ease the burdens of taxpayers and employers. We strongly believe that these legislative candidates will do just that,” said Brian Sampson, Unshackle Upstate Chairman and president of Associated Builders and Contractors, Empire State Chapter. “These outstanding men and women know that our taxes are too high and our business climate is too harsh. As we outlined in our recent Fast Forward agenda, it’s essential for our elected leaders to get our economy back on track as quickly as possible. Our organization and these candidates share two important goals: strengthening the Upstate economy and saving our Upstate communities.”

Senate Endorsements

Rich Amedure – District 46
Fred Akshar – District 52*
George Borrello – District 57*
Patrick Gallivan – District 59*
Joseph Griffo – District 47*
Pam Helming – District 54*
Daphne Jordan – District 43*
Mike Martucci – District 42
Josh Mertzluft – District 60
Thomas O’Mara – District 58*
Peter Oberacker – District 51
Rob Ortt – District 62*
Ed Rath – District 61
Angi Renna – District 50
Patty Ritchie – District 48*
Sam Rodgers – District 53
Sue Serino – District 41*
Dan Stec – District 45
James Tedisco – District 49*

Assembly Endorsements

Jake Ashby – District 107*
William Barclay – District 120*
Ken Blankenbush – District 117*
Karl Brabenec – District 98*
Marianne Buttenschon – District 98*
Marjorie Byrnes – District 133*
David DiPietro – District 147*
Chris Friend – District 124*
Joseph Giglio – District 148*
Andy Goodell – District 150*
Stephen Hawley – District 139*
Mark Johns – District 135*
Billy Jones – District 115*
Donna Lupardo – District 123*
Brian Manketlow – District 130*
John McDonald – District 108*
Angelo Morinello – District 145*
Michael Norris – District 144*
Phil Palmesano – District 132*
Crystal Peoples-Stokes – District 141*
John Salka – District 121*
Colin Schmitt – District 99*
Matt Simpson – District 114
Robert Smullen – District 118*
Al Stirpe – District 127*
Chris Tague – District 102*
Mark Walczyk – District 116*
Mary Beth Walsh – District 112*
Carrie Woerner – District 113*

*indicates incumbents

The 48 candidates – comprised of incumbents and challengers – were evaluated in partnership with Unshackle Upstate’s member organizations: Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, North Country Chamber of Commerce and the Empire Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.

In the coming weeks, Unshackle Upstate and its leadership team will continue to monitor other races across the state and may make additional endorsements prior to November 3.