Democrat Sarah Klee Hood aims to defeat U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams, R-Syracuse, to represent Central New York in Congress.
Klee Hood, an Air Force veteran, on Thursday launched her candidacy for the 2024 election in Syracuse.
It’s only been five months since voters elected Williams to represent them, but Klee Hood said it’s important to get her name out early because of fundraising.
“I'm out early, and we're off to a strong start because the reactions and the energy that is coming out this early is almost like a carryover from the end of the primary folks are really excited," she said. "We are recommitted to ensuring that we are delivering the same message."
Klee Hood said this time around, she’s devoting all of her time to the campaign. Last cycle, she worked full time. Despite the fact that the election is more than a year and a half away, Klee Hood puts abortion at the top of her campaign agenda.
Unfortunately, women's rights are still at the forefront," she said. "And I think a lot of Central New Yorkers take it for granted that we are safe here in New York. If the federal court gets their way, every state will be implicated as they remove birth control alternatives from the shelves.”
She also opposes any reductions in social security benefits.
The announcement comes after Klee Hood fell short to Francis Conole for her party’s nomination in last August’s primary election.
The 41-year-old is a DeWitt town councilor and lives there with her family.
The 22nd Congressional District includes Onondaga, Madison and Oneida counties.
