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Utica's Mike Gentile Announces Candidacy for NYS Assembly
Longtime public servant to focus on affordability and community engagement in run for open 119th district seat
Jan. 29, 2026 at 4:31pm
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Mike Gentile, a lifelong Mohawk Valley resident, has officially announced his candidacy for the 119th New York State Assembly seat. Gentile, who will be seeking the Republican and Conservative party lines, says his campaign will focus on showing up, listening to constituents, and representing people who feel increasingly disconnected from Albany. Affordability, including rising utility bills and everyday financial stress, is expected to be a major theme of Gentile's run.
Why it matters
The 119th Assembly district seat is open after incumbent Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, a Democrat, announced she will not seek re-election. Gentile's entry sets the stage for a wide-open contest, with several other candidates from both parties already in the race. The outcome could shift the balance of power in the state legislature.
The details
Gentile, a lifelong Mohawk Valley resident and longtime public servant, says his campaign will focus on showing up, listening, and representing people who feel increasingly disconnected from Albany. Affordability is expected to be a major theme, with Gentile pointing to rising utility bills and everyday financial stress as issues Albany has failed to address. Gentile will be seeking the Republican and Conservative party lines, joining Democrats John Lipe and Joe Betar, and Republican Daniel Fusco, who have already announced their candidacies.
- Gentile officially announced his candidacy on Tuesday, January 29, 2026.
The players
Mike Gentile
A lifelong Mohawk Valley resident and longtime public servant who is running for the 119th New York State Assembly seat.
Marianne Buttenschon
The incumbent Democratic Assemblywoman for the 119th district who has announced she will not seek re-election.
John Lipe
A Democratic candidate who has announced a run for the 119th Assembly district seat.
Joe Betar
A Democratic candidate who has announced a run for the 119th Assembly district seat.
Daniel Fusco
A Republican candidate who has announced a run for the 119th Assembly district seat.
What they’re saying
“This campaign is about presence and understanding. It's about showing up in our communities, listening to people's concerns, and making sure every voice in the Mohawk Valley is heard.”
— Mike Gentile, Candidate for 119th NY State Assembly
“People are scared to open their National Grid bills. Families are being squeezed, and instead of focusing on lowering costs, we're hearing about bans on gas-powered snow blowers.”
— Mike Gentile, Candidate for 119th NY State Assembly
What’s next
The race for the 119th New York State Assembly seat is expected to heat up in the coming months, with several candidates from both parties vying for the open position. Voters in the district will have the opportunity to weigh in on the candidates and their platforms during the primary and general election campaigns.
The takeaway
Gentile's campaign promises to bring a renewed focus on community engagement and affordability issues to the 119th Assembly district race. As an experienced public servant, he aims to bridge the perceived disconnect between constituents and Albany, offering a distinct contrast to the incumbent who is not seeking re-election.
