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9 rural Democratic Committees stand together asking voters to decide who will be THE candidate for the 2026 midterm election!Below is information to help you make your choice!

Challengers for the 2026 Democratic Primary

Aaron Gies

Kevin Stocker, esq.

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<h5>cHAIR</h5>KEN MARTIN

DNC

<h5>Chair</h5>JAY S. JACOBS

NY DEMS

<h5>Chair</h5>William Thickstun

NYS DRC

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Events Post

CCDC State Committee Representatives from the 124th and 132nd NYS Assembly Districts, along with the Chair, attended the NYS Democratic Convention in Syracus. There, they voted on the State-wide candidates the Party is backing during the Midterms this year.

CCDC in Syracuse

NYS Dems Convention

Thank you Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for this advice!With mass detentions &amp; deportations across the county it is vitally important - for both citizens and non-citizens to know their rights. You DO NOT have to speak to ICE without a JUDICIAL warrant.If they attempt to enter your home or workplace, ask to see a warrant.

Know Your Rights!

Gallery

<h3>Qualities of a Candidate to consider...</h3>"It takes a "special kind" of person, dedicated and willing to serve the community to run for office. The courage it takes to step forward into public life should not be underestimated. The commitment needed to fundraise, run a campaign and stay in the public's eye is commendable and noteworthy. On behalf of the community, you have our esteemed gratitude!" ~ Chairman Jamal A. Malik ('23)<ol><li>What are your unique leadership traits?</li><li>Can you describe three main campaign goals or ideas you feel define your campaign?&nbsp;</li><li>What do you offer constituents that’s different from your opponent or the person now in office?</li><li>Do you bring a new or innovative way to approach problems?</li><li>Do you feel you have the time, energy, discipline, and vision to win?</li><li>Who is your target voter?</li><li>Can you identify your campaign team, and plan for getting elected?</li><li>What is your fundraising strategy?</li><li>Do you have a vision for improving the quality of life in your community?</li><li>What do you see as the most significant issues?</li><li>Are you prepared for a background check?</li><li>Why should the voters choose you?</li></ol>If you can answer all of these questions with certainty, then reach out to our Candidate Vetting Committee. We're here to support and help get your started. Fill out our Candidate Interest form <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd8-M9S6Sh2imUu_587HOFZJZPDBHnezIAFXvcVNB-JaXa2nA/viewform" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.We strive to establish a strong platform, which assists our committee to develop and align our values, beliefs and goals to the Democratic Party ideals. The Chemung County Democratic Committee will recruit and elect candidates who listen to, respond, and best serve our citizens and our community.Chemung County Board of Elections: <a href="https://www.chemungcountyny.gov/1028/Running-For-Office" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Run for Office resources</a>

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Candidate Vetting Questions:

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On Monday 3-31-25 Voters of Chemung County demonstrated outside the Social Security Office in Big Flats. Originally slated to be closed, and then reportedly removed from the closure list, demonstrators demanded a definitive answer from Musk's Doge on the status, not only for recipients, but in support of the SS Office workers as well.

Hands Off Our Social Security

Hands Off our SS

Run for Local Office

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ELECTED DEMOCRATS

Chemung County

Minority Leader District 11 (City of Elmira)

Brent StermerLEGISLATURE

District 12 (Town of Southport)

William McCarthyLEGISLATURE

Chemung County Family Court

Judge Richard Rich

Elmira City Court

Judge Daniel Cain

Elmira City Constable

Willie Owens

Elmira City Council Dst. 1

Nick Grasso

Elmira City Council Dst. 2

Rev. Corey Cooke

Elmira City Council Dst. 4

Rev. Gary Brinn

Elmira City Council Dst. 5

Jackie Wilson

Town of Elmira Board

Al Lucarelli

Justice Town of Elmira

Kim Middaugh

Minority Leader&nbsp;District 12 (Town of Southport)

District 11 (City of Elmira)

New York State

GOVERNOR

Kathy Hochul

LT. GOVERNOR

Antonio Delgado

Secretary of State

Walter T. Mosley III

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Letitia James

COMPTROLLER

Tom DiNapoli

ASSEMBLY SPEAKER

Carl Heastie

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER

Andrea Stewart-Cousins

<h3 style="text-align: center;">But 2 Legislators out of 15 is not a balanced board.</h3><h3>STILL seeking candidates for Legislators in Districts; 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, &amp; 15.</h3><h2 style="text-align: center;">BE THE CHANGE!</h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">RUN FOR OFFICE IN CHEMUNG COUNTY!</h2><h4 style="text-align: center;">You must live in the District you'd like to represent.</h4><h2 style="text-align: center;">We also seek a strong candidate for County Executive!</h2><h4 style="text-align: center;">See the qualities desired in the flyers below.</h4>

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Committees in Chemung County

Here are actions you can take!

<h2>Chemung County Youth Football League</h2>So, we did a thing! The Chemung County Democratic Committee and The Chemung County Republican Committee looked past all the party politics and division to jointly help the kids of this county! We competed against each other at the Chemung County Youth Football League Fundraiser and raised over $1,000 each doing it. We did it for the kids. You see, this is how we're going to have to change the scenario, the landscape. We're going to have to do it together. Sure we didn't win the match, heck, who won the game wasn't important. What was important is that we worked together for a common good. In spite of all the name calling and political backstabbing in other parts of the country. We worked together. See ya next year!

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POLITICAL CALENDER 2026

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<h2>Working to build a better community!</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/94c92664-0a6b-4f87-8755-76df653ac4d4/ab296239-1819-4416-8426-c8d4c005b1fe/ab296239-1819-4416-8426-c8d4c005b1fe.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C950%2C823&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="42" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h4>The mission of the Chemung County Democratic Committee is to recruit candidates for all elective offices representing, but not limited to Chemung County. The committee works to strengthen the community by connecting citizens to the political process through voter outreach and education. We strive to be open, inclusive, and accessible to all individuals who share fundamental Democratic beliefs and values.</h4>

CCDC - Working 4 All!

138 like minded people gathered to raise funds for local Democratic candidates. Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado &amp; Dr. Basil Smikle, Jr. gave us words of inspiration. Each candidate introduced themselves, and spoke a little about their campaign platforms. Area Democrats won gift certificates from local businesses and bid on baskets. It was awesome!

CCDC Annual Fall Fundraiser

Annual Fall Fundraiser

Thank you Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for this advice! With mass deportations starting across the county it is vitally important - for both citizens and non-citizens to know their rights. You DO NOT have to speak to ICE without a JUDICIAL warrant. If they attempt to enter your home or workplace, ask for a warrant.

Check if you are registered to vote

<h2>Voter Resources</h2><h3>VOTE like your Democracy depends on it. It does!</h3>

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Register, or update your registration to vote

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Early voting locations

Resources

Upcoming Events

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Campaign Videos

<h3>Meet Aaron Gies - 2026 Candidate for NYS 23rd Congressional District</h3>Declared Candidate for the NYS 23rd Congressional District, Aaron Gies sits down with our CCDC Podcast host Ed Bond for an informal discussion on why he's running, his unique perspective, and his political platform. This podcast gives us an in-depth look at Gies, and why he believes he can win your vote in the Primary Election in June of 2026.

Aaron Gies

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<h2 style="text-align: center">Meet your Host...</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/94c92664-0a6b-4f87-8755-76df653ac4d4/78976307-c175-4d08-a2c2-c2240257e52b/c21091d4-6f91-4cbc-bd55-32a3609476af.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C2852%2C4096&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Ed Bond - Host is a former journalist, who has written for the Star-Gazette in Elmira, The Asbury Park Press, The Indianapolis Star and the Los Angeles Times. He is also the author of a book, "SAVE DOGS FROM DISTEMPER: The ‘Impossible’ Cure of Dr. Alson Sears" and co-wrote an episode of "Star Trek: Voyager." Today he lives with his family in Horseheads, NY where he invents games and toys and creates laser-cut art through his business, MetaDreams LLC. He has run twice for Chemung County Legislature as a Democrat.<h2 style="text-align: center">...&amp; Producer</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/94c92664-0a6b-4f87-8755-76df653ac4d4/1ef01faa-5f63-4bd9-9bf7-cb843a17b94a/a05f8689-895f-473e-bbc0-9fbef52bd686.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=126%2C40%2C3122%2C4023&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">Bay Malik - Producer (&amp; occasional Fill-in Host) is a former radio broadcast manager, with over 25 years experience, both in the US and abroad. Now retired, she has worked in both commercial, and non-traditional radio, and taught Public Affairs instruction to aspiring broadcasters at NC A&amp;T State University. She worked 15 years in station network management, promotions &amp; marketing in Dubai, UAE. Today, she resides with her husband in Elmira NY, and currently serves as the Media Chair for the Chemung County Democratic Committee.

Who are the Democrats?

The Party who always fought for the American people!

We are the Party who has always fought for the American people!

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<h3>Exclusive Interview with Dr. Basil Smikle, Jr. </h3>Dr. Basil Smikle Jr., Columbia University Professor and noted MSNBC Political analyst, takes a moment to sit and discuss the needs of the Democratic party with Ed Bond, after delivering the Key Note address for the 2025 CCDC Annual Fall Fundraiser.

Dr. Basil Smikle, Jr.

PRIVACY POLICY

Elected Officers

Chemung County Towns

City of Elmira

State Committee Representatives

Chemung Co. Board of Elections

Chemung Co. Board of Elections

Peaceful Resistance!

Know your rights

5 Calls.org

News One

Human rights campaign

Indivisible corning elmira

Moms Rising

Citizens for a better Southern Tier

Testimonials

ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE

<h2>FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:</h2><ul><li>How do I become a member of the Democratic Committee? Prospective members must fill out a questionnaire. The New Member committee will reach out to the prospective member to review the role of membership, discuss the CCDC organization and answer any questions you might have? You can <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhDuLwjFMfximaan9i2cvMTWT0ftaHXuEvjHJs7S12QspuxQ/viewform" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)">fill out an on-line questionnaire here:</a></li></ul><ul><li>What is an Election District? An Election District is the smallest breakdown of a voting district. It consists of the legislative district and ward.</li></ul><ul><li>What is a Legislative District? The Chemung County Legislature is composed of 15 legislators, who each represent a district. That district is called the legislative&nbsp; district. <a href="https://chemungcountyny.gov/450/District-Maps" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)">Find out your legislative district here</a>.</li></ul><ul><li>What is a District Leader? A District Leader is a member of the Executive Committee. Responsible for communicating and organizing voter registration, voters and other community activity in their respective regions.</li></ul><ul><li>Do I have to petition to be on the Committee? Every 2 (two) years, Committee members are asked to canvass in their voting districts and have registered Democratic voters sign a petition agreeing to have the committee member represent them on the Chemung County Democratic Committee. The Chairperson of the Committee has the option to waive certain members who may be too old, have disabilities, or other extenuating circumstances that prevent them from petitioning. All Committee Members are expected to petition and support Committee endorsed candidates.</li></ul><ul><li>How many meetings do I have to attend? Committee members are required to attend at least 4 (four) meetings per calendar year.</li></ul>

F.A.Q.'s

SURVIVING THE NEXT 4 YEARS!

We are living in unprecedented times. The act of peaceful, non-violent protest, and the right to assemble are guaranteed by the US constitution. But, it's important that you remember the safety rules of the Protest Safety &amp; Preparedness Guide.

Page Intro

Chemung County Legislator Incumbents

Legislative District 11

Brent Stermer

Legislative District 12

Bill McCarthy

<h2>Next Meeting:</h2>Tuesday Sept. 10, 2024It's HARRIS WALZ 2024 and a whole NEW race! VOLUNTEER to get out the vote!

<h2>General Meetings</h2>We hold our meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. We invite you to join us and help strategize on forms of resistance, and action that are important to issues in our community. None of us can fight this authoritarian government by ourselves, it will take all of us working together. You don't have to be a registered Democrat to attend. We look forward to seeing you at our next general meeting.

This Valentine's Day, the CCDC organized a "Love Your Neighbor" Clothing Drive. For a month we collected clothing, quilts, hats, gloves, shoes, toys, to help those who needed in our community. The drive ended with a hot chocolate (and pizza) movie screening and a lively discussion. Thank you Chemung County for your generous donations!

The CCDC "Love Your Neighbor" Clothing Drive

Clothing Drive

Work with our committees, caucuses, state and county organizations here!

Chemung County Committees

<h5>Chair</h5>Vacant

Big Flats

<h5>Chair</h5>Bushra Sheikh

Town of Elmira

<h5>Chair</h5>Mary Kager

Horseheads

<h5>Chair</h5>Jimmy Russell

Southport

<h5>Chair</h5>Joe Milliken

Van Etten

<h5>Chair</h5>Jim Carr Democratic Party State Rep. 132 dist.

Veteran

<h5>District Leader</h5>Jim Hassell

Elmira: 1st District

<h5>District Leader</h5>Bayyinah Malik

Elmira: 2nd District

<h5>District Leader</h5>Meg Magnusen

Elmira: 3rd District

<h5>District Leader</h5>Nykole Parks

Elmira: 4th District

US 23rd Congressional district

Challengers for the 2026 Democratic Primary

Aaron Gies

Kevin Stocker, esq.

NYS 23rd District covers:

We are all in this together!

Aaron Gies for Congress NY23

Professor

aaronforny23.com

Stocker for Congress

Attorney

stockerforcongress.com