The stage is set for a rematch between Ian Phillips and Assemblyman John Lemondes for New York’s 126th State Assembly District.
Phillips, a Democrat, announced Monday that he is running to unseat Lemondes, running on a platform of affordability, accountability, and protecting the Fingerlakes.
“We deserve an Assemblymember who will prioritize people and not pet political projects. The costs of utilities, childcare, healthcare, taxes and rent are out of control, and the middle class is being priced out of the American Dream in Central NY. Our families deserve a real shot, not the nonsense that our current Assemblyman uses to divide us. In short, I’m running for Assembly because we deserve better,” said Ian Phillips.
In his campaign announcement, Phillips also announced he’s been endorsed by Skaneateles Supervisor Chriss Legg and Auburn Mayor Jimmy Giannettino.
Legg stated, “Ian is a born-and-raised Central New Yorker whose family goes back generations in our area. From his tireless work to support our schools and his advocacy for policies that lift up the middle class, Ian’s record shows he’s exactly what we need to protect our lakes and our pocketbooks. I know Ian Phillips will be a fresh voice for our families and bring us together to get results.”
Giannettino said, “Ian will protect our lakes and our drinking water in the Assembly. He knows that our water resources are under threat, and I trust him to partner with local leaders to take on this fight in Albany.”
Born in Auburn, Phillips has served as a teacher, union organizer, and president of the Auburn School Board. Since 2015, he has worked with teachers across Central New York as an organizer with the New York State United Teachers, the state’s largest union.
Phillips noted his accomplishments during his two terms on the Auburn School Board, including seeing class sizes decrease, free before and after-school programs being added within the district, restoring the fourth-grade music program, and hiring STEM-specialized teachers.
Last week, Assemblyman John Lemondes suspended his bid for Congress, intending to run to keep his seat on the State Assembly. This sets the stage for a rematch between the two men who faced off against each other in 2024, with Lemondes claiming victory after a hard-fought campaign by Phillips.
The 126th Assembly District consists of parts of Cayuga and Onondaga Counties, including Auburn, Weedsport, Skaneateles, and Marcellus.
Election Day is November 3, 2026.
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