Local Congressional Election Recognized as ‘Emerging Race’ by National Committee

ITHACA, N.Y. – New York’s 23rd Congressional District is getting attention from democrats at the national level. According to a press release from congressional candidate Nate Shinagawa, the district race, which includes Chautauqua County, has been recognized as an Emerging Race by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The Emerging Race designation highlights candidates and districts that are making themselves competitive against incumbents.

Shinagawa leads the Democratic field in fundraising and cash on hand. He has the endorsements of the Chautauqua and Steuben County Democratic Committees along with Jamestown mayor Sam Teresi and several other officials throughout the district. He has also received the endorsement of the Working Families Party.

Shinagawa is running against democrats Leslie Danks Burke and Melissa Dobson for the Democratic Party endorsement, with a primary taking place on June 26. The winner will square off against Republican Tom Reed – who currently represents New York’s 29th Congressional District – in the Nov. 6 general election. Because of redistricting, Reed’s district has shifted to the 23rd Congressional District and now includes all of Chautauqua County.