Michael Mills says he believes Democrats can compete in New York’s 54th State Senate District, and he’s making the case to voters ahead of the June 23 primary election.
Mills, a Canandaigua City Council member and former leader of several regional business and economic development organizations, is seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat currently held by Republicans.
Mills acknowledged the district’s Republican voting history but argued Democrats have underperformed in a district where Republicans make up less than 40 percent of registered voters.
“Democrats need to talk about issues that matter to people,” he siad. “We need to talk about affordability, we need to talk about protecting our lakes and our environment, and not being the waste dump and the electric plug for the rest of the state.”
Mills pointed to nearly three decades of experience in public policy, including work on energy efficiency initiatives, water quality legislation, economic development efforts, and international trade programs.
A Rochester native and graduate of Hobart College, Mills spent several years in the Atlanta area before returning to the Finger Lakes. He previously served as executive director of the Geneva Business Improvement District and president of the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce.
Mills said his experience passing legislation and building coalitions distinguishes him from other candidates in the race.
“It’s not just enough to get a seat at the table in Albany,” he said. “You have to do something with it when you get there.”
Affordability remains a central focus of his campaign. Mills said he wants Albany to consider the impact of new regulations on small and medium-sized farms and support family farm succession planning through tax credits. He also voiced support for the proposed New York Health Act, which would establish a statewide universal healthcare system.
Environmental issues have also become a major part of the campaign, according to Mills. He criticized the Greenidge power plant on Seneca Lake and said he opposes large-scale data center developments that he believes could strain local water and energy resources.
“I don’t want a moratorium. I want them to not happen in our state,” Mills said of large data centers. He added that if such facilities are approved, they should be powered by renewable energy and bear the cost of their infrastructure demands.
Mills is encouraging supporters to participate in volunteer events ahead of the primary, which he said are focused on community engagement and voter outreach.
The Democratic primary for the 54th State Senate District will be held June 23. The winner will advance to the general election in November.
