CHENANGO COUNTY – Given a filing deadline of July 10, state legislators and their political opponents filed petitions late Thursday to appear on the ballot during the general election in November.

Two state senate seats are up for grabs this year, as are two seats in the state assembly to represent Chenango County. While Assemblyman Gary Finch (R-126th Assembly District) is being challenged by Democrat Diane Dwire, the former head of the Onondaga County Democratic Committee, incumbent Assemblyman Clifford Crouch (R-122nd Assembly District) remains unopposed.

Likewise, Senator James Seward (R-51st Senatorial District) is currently unopposed, filing a petition to appear on the Republican, Conservative, and Independence lines. Seward has served as senator for New York’s 51st district since 1986.

“The outpouring of support from the people who live and work throughout my nine-county district is truly gratifying,” Seward stated. “I feel privileged to represent the 51st Senate District and look forward to continuing to stand up for the issues and concerns that people discuss with me on a daily basis.”

But more local attention is on the run for the 52nd Senate District this election season. Republican incumbent Tom Libous (R-52nd Senatorial District) was only recently challenged by Republican hopeful Denver Jones, a political newcomer and business man currently serving as VP of Engineering at BSU, Inc. in Ithaca.