Jim Barber of Middleburgh is looking to be the next state senator from the 51st Senate District.
He announced Monday that he’s seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Jim Seward, a senator for more than two decades, who’s expected to seek re-election.
Mr. Barber will formally launch his campaign next Saturday, the 14th, at Barber’s Family Farm in Fultonham at 10am.
Mr. Barber is the fifth generation in his family to farm in the Schoharie Valley, and that connection is leading him to run.
“For generations, my family has been proud to live in this region, to run our family farm and to invest in our communities,” Mr. Barber said.
“I am going to bring that work ethic, love of community and ability to get results to Albany as this region’s next state senator.”
A longtime advocate for agriculture and family farms, Mr. Barber has served seven years as the state Executive Director for the US Department of Agriculture.
He was also a special assistant to the state commission in the Department of Ag and Markets.
The 51st Senate District includes all of Schoharie, Otsego and Cortland counties and parts of Cayuga, Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Tompkins and Ulster counties.
For more information, visit www.jimbarberforsenate.org.