In an emotional speech to fellow Wayne County Republicans last Saturday, New York Assemblyman Brian Manktelow announced that he would not be seeking another term in Albany. 

“I felt as though I would not be able to dedicate myself to both my family and the residents of the 130th Assembly District at a level they deserve,” Manktelow told The Times.

“After much consideration I feel it is best that I wholeheartedly dedicate myself to the growing needs of my family”

Manktelow has served the last 19 straight years in Republican politics. He served two years as a Lyons Town Councilman, 9 years as Lyons Town Supervisor, and 8 years as New York State Assembly member.

“I will always love and support the people of our community. I just have to do what I feel is right in this moment. I will continue to serve our community, just in a different role. I am so grateful to everyone who has supported me, I want them to know that I still have some very important work to do before my term ends”

“I don’t know what the future holds, but I know that the 130th Assembly District will choose the right candidate who will represent them well in Albany.”

Within days of the news breaking, four candidates have already expressed their intentions to run for the district seat.

Former Marion supervisor Summer Johnson announced her candidacy and said in a post made to social media “I’m running because our communities deserve honest leadership, limited government, strong public safety, and real respect for families, veterans, and first responders.”

Johnson acknowledged  Manktelow’s years of service saying “I have great respect for Assemblyman Brian Manktelow and his family, and I’m grateful for his service to our district.”

George Dobbins, a member of the Lyons Town Board, announced his campaign in a letter to the Wayne County Republican Committee.

Dobbins attended Georgetown University Law School and is an attorney with Woods, Oviatt and Gillman.

“As a conservative, I seek to conserve founding principles: life, liberty, free enterprise, and rugged individualism,” Dobbins said in a letter submitted to The Times.

“Running for New York State Assembly is my chance to give back to the place my wife and I chose to raise our family.”

Clyde Mayor Fremouw, who previously sought the Republican nomination back in 2018, has also expressed his intent to run.

“Based on my positive work, not only as the Village of Clyde mayor for the past 18 years, a 10-year member of the NYCOM executive committee, and being the Wayne County village official’s president for the past 12, I hope to extend my work throughout the 130th Assembly District.”

Democrat James Schuler of Newark, who previously challenged Manktelow in 2024, has also announced his intentions to run.

Schuler posting on Facebook “Wayne County and Webster deserve leadership that actually understands life here, the jobs that disappeared, the towns that used to thrive, the families doing everything right and still struggling.”

Currently the sole Democratic candidate in the race, Schuler added “This campaign isn’t about party labels or talking points. It’s about common sense, accountability, and making sure rural and small-town voices finally get heard.”

The three Republican candidates have submitted Letters to the Editor this week which can be found on page B-8. Additional information on the primary will be shared in the coming weeks.