Onondaga County Legislator Rich McCarron formally entered the race for New York’s 48th Senate District Monday, positioning himself as a Republican challenger to Democratic incumbent Rachel May and focusing his campaign on affordability, public safety, and energy policy.
McCarron formally announced his candidacy during an evening event at the Finger Lakes Mall in Auburn, joined by local Republican officials and supporters from across Cayuga and Onondaga counties.
A Central New York resident for more than 35 years, McCarron currently represents Onondaga County’s 11th District. He was appointed to the seat in 2023 and won election in both 2023 and 2025. Before entering elected office, McCarron spent 20 years with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, retiring in 2011. He later became a Realtor and small business owner.
During the event, McCarron criticized one-party Democratic control in Albany, blaming state policies for rising energy costs, housing challenges, and criminal justice reforms he says have made communities less safe.
McCarron also took aim at recent votes by May, citing opposition to cashless bail, state energy mandates, and proposed changes to local zoning laws. He argued those policies have made life less affordable for middle-class families and small businesses.
McCarron said economic development tied to the Micron semiconductor project in Central New York presents major opportunities for growth, but warned that state policy must allow local communities flexibility to expand housing and infrastructure.
The 48th Senate District includes the city of Syracuse, all of Cayuga County, and several towns in southern and western Onondaga County.
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