CORTLAND, N.Y. — Registered Republican voters will head to the polls Tuesday to decide who will secure the Republican nomination for the 22nd congressional district in New York State.
Claudia Tenney, who challenged Rep. Richard Hanna's seat in 2014, was the first Republican to announce her bid in the 2016 election, a month prior to Hanna's announcement he would not try for a fourth term.
Since then, two more challengers have come forward. George Phillips, a former Broome County legislator, threw his hat into the ring back in January. One month later, Steven Wells, co-founder of a Syracuse-based food and beverage service corporation, also announced his intention to run for the seat.
From left, Claudia Tenney, Steven Wells and George Phillips
Hanna has represented the 22nd congressional district—which includes Cortland, Chenango, Madison and Oneida counties, as well as parts of Broome, Herkimer Oswego and Tioga counties—since he was elected in 2010. He announced in December that he would not seek re-election, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.
Considered by many to be a moderate Republican— some politicians have referred to his stances on social issues as "liberal"—Hanna frequently butted heads with more staunch conservatives in Congress.
The winner of Tuesday's primary will likely face Democratic Broome County legislator Kim Myers in the general election.
Polls will be open from noon until 9 p.m.
