Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, and early voting is underway. The following candidates were asked by Eagle Newspapers what it was that made them want to run for their desired offices,  how their experience will serve them going forward and why they’re an ideal candidate, what they’d consider the biggest challenges in their community at present, what their ideas are for addressing those challenges, and what they appreciate most about their respective communities. John Mannion, DEM, WOR I taught in a classroom for 30 years and it was the most rewarding experience. During the 2016 election, toxic and divisive rhetoric was everywhere, and I didn’t want my students to grow up thinking that was acceptable. I ran for office because I wanted to advocate for a better future for my students and the next generation. I was born and raised in Syracuse, and am a good reflection of the values and people of Central New York. My experience in the classroom taught me how to work with everyone, find compromise, and deliver good results. I carried these lessons with me to the State Senate, and I hope to do the same in Congress. The biggest challenges that NY-22 faces today is slowed job growth and affordability, specifically for seniors and young families at the grocery store and the gas pump. We need to lower costs and make life more affordable. In the State Senate, I was the co-prime sponsor of New York’s Green Chips legislation, which brought Micron and 50,000 new jobs to the district. I helped pass tax cuts for the middle class and small businesses. These actions have helped people start a good life, and in Congress I will continue to create new jobs, lower taxes, and decrease costs for consumers. The incredible people of the 22nd district are the best part! I’ve been so grateful to connect with new people, learn more about them, and listen to their concerns and priorities. It is those values and concerns that I will fight for in Congress. Brandon Williams, REP, CON Two years ago, I wasn’t involved in politics at all. I sold my farm equipment to raise money for my first campaign, because our country is on the wrong track, and we need leadership that will help make things right. I’m proud to have supported Central New York and the Mohawk Valley from Congress, successfully advocating for $45 million in funding for water infrastructure, classroom technology, police equipment, and internet access here at home. This record of support reflects how I aim to serve in Congress. It would be my honor to do so for two more years, and I humbly ask for your support to that end. Having trained as a nuclear engineer, I completed six strategic deterrent patrols as an officer on the USS Georgia, serving in the chain of command for the release of nuclear weapons as the United States sought to deter the USSR. This experience informs my outlook on foreign policy. For America’s deterrence against its adversaries to be effective, it must be credible. America has lost credibility on the world stage, emboldening tyrants like Putin and Khamenei. By strengthening our military and standing with our allies, America can restore credible deterrence and make peace without having to fight. My time overseeing a reactor on the USS Georgia informs my stance that nuclear energy is the key to a clean, reliable, and affordable energy future in America. New York has neglected nuclear energy in favor of expensive, unreliable alternatives like wind and solar. This ideology-first agenda forces Americans to foot the bill while clean alternatives are available. Fifteen years ago, Stephanie and I moved to Sennett to be closer to her family. We love this place. We raised our children here. I’m running for Congress to support those seeking to raise their families here now.