The Cayuga County Republican Committee has announced its endorsements ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
Last Saturday, the committee held an event at the Auburn Hilton Garden Inn, where it announced a slate of endorsements. Among those receiving the committee’s endorsements are Claudia Tenney for Congress, Rich MacCarron for State Senate, John Lemondes for State Assembly, Chris Valdina for Cayuga County Court Judge, and Rob Franklin for Cayuga County Sheriff.
Rich McCarron is hoping to unseat current State Senator Rachel May to represent New York’s 48th State Senate District, which includes all of Cayuga County and part of Onondaga County.
Lemondes originally planned a run for Congress; however, earlier this month, he suspended his congressional campaign to run to keep his seat in the State Assembly. He once again faces democratic challenger Ian Phillips.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Chris Valdina is set to face off against Ben Susman, an Auburn attorney, for Cayuga County Court Judge.
Rob Franklin, a lieutenant detective with the sheriff’s office, is one of two men hoping to appear on the Republican ballot line in November. The other is Chris Major, a former Auburn Police Officer.
