SEWARD REJECTS

RUN FOR CONGRESS

ONEONTA – State Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, today announced he will not run for retiring Congressman Chris Gibson’s seat in 2016.

“While serving in Washington D.C. would allow me to address a number of important issues facing our region,” said Seward, “I feel that at this time my standing as a senior member of the New York State senate majority enables me to better serve my district.

“Therefore, I intend to continue to use my seniority, leadership position, and experience in the state Senate to focus on the needs and concerns of the people of my district and will not be a candidate for congress in 2016,” he said.  “This is how I can be of optimal service to our area.”

When the 19th District congressman announced last November he won’t run again, Seward’s name was on every list of possible successors.

Since, Gibson has been mentioned as a possible GOP candidate for governor in 2018, and last month at an Opportunities for Otsego forum in Oneonta said he intends to seek that office.

Seward said, “I look forward to working with our next congressman and continuing to team with Chris Gibson as he embarks on a new path that will help New York prosper.”