Barkenhagen, owner of 42 Degrees, an art and glass studio on Park Street in downtown Glens Falls, previously ran for Assembly in 2002, and ran for Glens Falls 3rd Ward supervisor in 2001 and 2003.

Steve Ruzbacki, a math and science teacher from Olmstedville, in Essex County, announced his candidacy for state Senate, challenging Sen. Elizabeth Little, R-Queensbury.

“Matt’s campaign really energized me — his campaign for Congress in 2014. He certainly convinced me we can do a lot better than what we’re doing, Ruzbacki said.

“It’s been an amazing year-and-a-half,” Funiciello said, referring to the ground building since his last campaign.

Funiciello’s opponents responded to his announcement with kind words.

“I enjoyed getting to know Matt Funiciello over the course of the last campaign,” Stefanik said. “And while I disagree with his policy solutions, I welcome Matt Funiciello to the race.”

“I know Matt personally and am looking forward to engaging with him on issues critical to northern New York,” Derrick said. “I respect his commitment to the working residents of this district and to the environment.”

Follow staff writer Maury Thompson at All Politics is Local blog, at PS_Politics on Twitter and at Maury Thompson Post-Star on Facebook.

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