5 Republicans who could challenge John Mannion in 2026

The 2024 election is almost in the books. There are several undecided races in central New York and across the country.

But in the never-ending political news cycle, it's not too early to look ahead to the 2026 election and who might challenge Democratic Congressman-elect John Mannion in the 22nd Congressional District.

Mannion, D-Geddes, defeated Republican U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams. In his election night speech, Williams hinted that he wouldn't seek a rematch.

The Citizen compiled a list of five Republicans who could challenge Mannion in the next election. Emphasis was added to because they haven't announced their plans or expressed interest, at least publicly, in running for Congress.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon

If there is a Republican who could win this Democratic-friendly district, it's McMahon.

McMahon has served as county executive since 2018. Before that, he was chair of the Onondaga County Legislature and a Syracuse city councilor.

In 2019, McMahon won by nine points over Democratic challenger Tony Malavenda to secure a full four-year term as county executive. He was reelected by a wider margin in 2023.

After former Congressman John Katko's retirement, Republicans struggled in Onondaga County. Outgoing U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams won the 2022 election despite losing Onondaga by a wide margin. He lost Onondaga again on Tuesday.

Mannion will be a formidable Democratic incumbent for any Republican, including McMahon. But McMahon's electoral history suggests he wouldn't have the same struggles as Williams in winning over voters in his home county.

McMahon has other strengths, notably on the Micron project. Democrats and Republicans will tell you that McMahon played a vital role in preparing the White Pine site for this historic investment. Unlike Williams, he won't face repeated questions about whether he's committed to the project. This project doesn't happen without McMahon.

Assemblyman John Lemondes

When Katko beat out several Republicans to win the GOP designation in 2014, it was Lemondes, R-LaFayette, who finished as the runner-up in that process.

Lemondes stepped away from politics for a bit, but was elected to the state Assembly in 2020. He was reelected to a third term representing the 126th Assembly District, which includes parts of Cayuga and Onondaga counties. With the exception of a handful of towns in Cayuga, most of his district is within the 22nd Congressional District.

Lemondes' conservative credentials would help him in any congressional primary and his platform is a better fit for a federal role than his current state job. For example, he has railed against the Biden administration's handling of immigration and the border.

Steve Wells

Two years ago, Wells — founding partner of American Food and Vending Corporation — appeared to be the front-runner to succeed Katko as the Republican nominee in the 22nd district. But he was upset by Williams in the GOP primary.

Wells was the more moderate option, which doesn't play well in a primary. But it could be a better fit for the current 22nd district, where Democrats have a larger enrollment advantage than they did two years ago.

As Williams learned on Tuesday, winning the new 22nd district is difficult as a conservative candidate. But for a candidate like Wells, he could counter Mannion's own moderate approach in the district.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente

Will 2026 be the year that Picente, a Republican who has served as county executive since 2006, decides to run for Congress?

Picente has passed on running for Congress before, most recently in 2022 . He would've been higher on this list if not for his past decisions to skip a congressional bid. He seems content serving as county executive.

Similar to McMahon, though, Picente is a Republican who could compete in this district. Plus, his experience in local government will be valuable in a campaign.

Utica Mayor Michael Galime

Galime was elected Utica mayor in 2023 and serving eight years as Utica Common Council president.

Despite Utica having more Democrats than Republicans, Galime overcame that enrollment disadvantage to win with nearly 60% of the vote.

Galime hails from the eastern end of the district, but Republicans need a candidate who can win in Democratic-leaning areas. He has proven he can do that in the 22nd district's second-largest city.

Who else?

Aside from Wells, there might be another candidate with a business background who is interested in mounting a congressional campaign. Williams was not an elected official when he ran for Congress in 2022. That will be an angle to watch next year as candidates begin to emerge in the 22nd district.

It's also possible that Williams will consider another run. In this century, Democrats have won the Syracuse-area congressional race three times, but never in a midterm election year. That could make the 22nd district more appealing to Republicans, even with the Democratic enrollment edge.

Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or . Love Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

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