ITHACA, NY (WSKG) - Seph Murtagh, an Ithaca alderman and a member of Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton's district staff, will run to replace her.
Lifton announced last Friday she will retire from the Assembly at the end of this session. She represents the 125th Assembly district, which includes Tompkins and parts of Cortland County.
In his announcement, Murtagh said he hopes to uphold Lifton's legacy. He wants to reduce upstate property taxes, balance inequalities in education funding, and address climate change.
"We are the opposite of what we see coming out of the White House. We govern in service to our constituents with respect and transparency, which is exactly the approach I will bring to this race and, if elected, to this seat," he said.
Murtag is also a member of the Ithaca Common Council and serves as alternate acting mayor. He was first elected to the Ithaca Common Council in 2012.
The Democratic primary is June 23.