John Mannion, president of the West Genesee Teachers Association, lost a close race for the 50th state Senate District in 2018, but he is getting another chance. After winning the hotly contested, $3 million race, Sen. Bob Antonacci is leaving the Senate seat for a bench on the state Supreme Court.
“I ran for state Senate because our communities deserve to get our fair share of state aid, investment and focus,” Mannion said as he threw his hat in the ring again. “We deserve real leadership and a dedicated public servant who will work to strengthen our schools, invest in job training programs, and protect our water and natural resources.”
“A teacher for 27 years, John Mannion is one of the best and the brightest to come out of NYSUT’s Pipeline program,” said President Andy Pallotta. The Pipeline provides training and resources for union members and supporters who step up to run for office.
The statewide union has already endorsed Mannion for election.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has until April 1 to set a date for a special election, and could schedule it for as soon as April 28, the date of the state’s presidential primary. Whoever wins the special will have to hit the ground running; the seat will be contested in the general election again in November.