One of the people looking to represent Cayuga County in the state senate has received the endorsement of a local party leader.
Caleb Slater has been endorsed by Bernie Ment, the chairman of the Onondaga County Conservative Party. Slater told Finger Lakes News Radio that it’s an honor to gain his support.
“It means a validation to the years of effort that I have put in towards advancing the principles that the Conservative Party stands for and it is the highest honor I have received from my time in politics,” Slater said.
Ment cited Slater’s dedication to Conservative values as the reason for his support.
“Your dedication to Conservative principles and your hard work and perseverance on the campaign trail have earned my admiration for your efforts,” Ment wrote.
Ment’s endorsement is on an individual level. The Conservative Party has yet to make an official endorsement. Slater is optimistic that he’ll receive the party’s endorsement, though.
Slater was formerly a registered Conservative but switched enrollment to the Republican Party. He said the decision was made to avoid a situation where the parties run separate candidates.
“I think Republicans and Conservatives do best when we come together and work together for the common cause and beliefs that we share,” he said.
Slater is hoping to secure the GOP and Conservative party’s endorsements as he looks to unseat Democrat Rachel May and become the Senator for New York’s 48th Senate District which covers all of Cayuga and parts of Onondaga Counties. He announced his campaign a little over a month after May took office.
Slater has a challenger from within the GOP as Fanny Villarreal announced she is running to secure the nomination of the Republican Party.
