Mark Weiner | mweiner@syracuse.com

Democrats see rising interest

Seven Democrats in the 24th Congressional District are considering whether to challenge U.S. Rep. John Katko, according to party officials who view the House seat as one of their top priorities in New York and nationally in the 2018 mid-term elections.

Mark English, chairman of the Onondaga County Democratic Committee, said Donald Trump’s election as president and Republican control of Congress has prompted more Democrats – including some new to politics -- to consider a run for the seat than in previous years.

Here's a look at those Democrats who are considering a run, or have been encouraged by party officials and supporters to seek the 24th District seat, one of the top swing seats in Congress.

Photo by Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com

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Mark Weiner | mweiner@syracuse.com

Steve Williams

Williams, 54, of Baldwinsville, is considering a second bid for the Democratic nomination after losing in a three-way primary election in 2016. The former Navy JAG Corps officer is a partner in the Syracuse law firm Smith Sovik.

Williams told syracuse.com that he hasn’t made a decision yet about launching a campaign for the 2018 election, but his interest in changing the way Congress does business has not changed.

“I am very frustrated with what’s going on in Washington,” he said. “What really frustrates me is campaign finance laws. Money controls everything. It’s not anything even remotely close to what the Founding Fathers intended.”

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Mark Weiner | mweiner@syracuse.com

Dana Balter

Balter, 41, of Syracuse, has jumped into the public spotlight this year as an organizer for the CNY Solidarity Coalition, a local coalition of grassroots groups that formed after Donald Trump won the presidential election.

Balter is a visiting assistant teaching professor at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

She is among members of the coalition who have protested against Katko, calling for him to hold town hall meetings that are not organized panel discussions on specific topics.

Photo by David P. Broda

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Mark Weiner | mweiner@syracuse.com

Eric Kingson

Kingson, 71, of Manlius, rose from political obscurity in 2016 when Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, left, endorsed him in a three-way primary for the 24th Congressional District seat.

Kingson edged out Steve Williams, but finished second in the primary to Colleen Deacon, the party nominee.

Kingson, a Syracuse University professor and nationally-recognized expert on Social Security, says he has been approached about making a second bid for Congress. He remains a favorite of the progressive wing of the party. But after his 2016 experience, he’s reluctant to run again.

“I’m hoping (Syracuse Mayor) Stephanie Miner will run and I would be delighted to support her,” Kingson told syracuse.com. “I think she is the best candidate with the best chance to win the election.”

Photo by Michael Greenlar | mgreenlar@syracuse.com

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Mark Weiner | mweiner@syracuse.com

Anne Messenger

Messenger, 70, of Manlius, is well-known in Central New York for her volunteer work with community organizations and as a small business entrepreneur. She works as an executive coach and independent consultant in human resources. This would be her first run for public office.

Messenger has served as board chair of Onondaga Community College, the Community Foundation of Central New York and Syracuse Stage and has served on the boards of more than a dozen local organizations.

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Mark Weiner | mweiner@syracuse.com

Steve Michaels

Michaels, 60, a prominent lawyer who owns homes in New York City and DeWitt, is special counsel in the investigations unit at IBM Corp. in Armonk. The DeWitt native began his legal career as first deputy attorney general and solicitor general of Hawaii.

Michaels is best known for his work over two decades as a member of the White Collar Litigation practice group at Debevoise & Plimpton, a New York City law firm. He conducted investigations of compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other statutes and regulations.

Michaels has also worked on major U.S. civil rights cases, and served as co-counsel for the American Bar Association before the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark 2015 marriage equality cases which recognized the right for same-sex marriage.

Photo by Laura Barisonzi

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Mark Weiner | mweiner@syracuse.com

Chris Ryan

Ryan, right, is a three-term member of the Onondaga County Legislature who says he's seeking re-election in November to the 8th District seat representing Syracuse and part of Geddes. But he's not ruling out a run for Congress in 2018.

“I would always like to be part of the conversation,” Ryan told syracuse.com.

Ryan would likely be able to gather strong support from organized labor. He is president of Communications Workers of America Local 1123. Before his election to the legislature, he served six years on the Geddes Town Board.

File photo by John Berry | The Post-Standard

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Mark Weiner | mweiner@syracuse.com

Stephanie Miner

The two-term Syracuse mayor would be the clear favorite for the Democratic nomination if she decides to enter the race. Both national and state Democratic leaders have encouraged her to run against Katko.

Miner and Katko have sparred over the past year on a series of issues, but Katko's campaign escalated the rhetoric last month by calling Miner a failed politician who should lead the city or resign.

The harsh criticism followed Miner’s participation at rally in front of the Syracuse office of Planned Parenthood to draw attention to proposal to cut off funds for the organization in the Republican bill to repeal and replace Obamacare.

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Mark Weiner | mweiner@syracuse.com

When Democrats will decide

Democratic Party officials had planned to have one or more candidates in place by July 4, but Onondaga County Chairman Mark English (center at 2016 election night headquarters) said the process is delayed for a good reason.

“Because of the extraordinary interest the Trump presidency is generating, we may choose a candidate a little later than usual,” English said, adding the process could last until Labor Day.

English sad he would like to avoid a primary battle for the congressional seat.