The race to fill the vacated seat in the 52nd State Senate District is taking shape.

Monday morning, county Republicans announced their support for Broome County Undersheriff Fred Akshar.

This comes as no surprise, as Akshar had an interview with the county Republican committee and the party registered two campaign websites with Akshar's name.

Republicans had said they were looking for "fresh ideas and energy" and someone who's not a "lifetime politician."

"I'm a fresh face, new ideas, I'm young, energetic, very passionate about everything I do. And that's the way I'm going to approach this," Akshar said. 

That's why Akshar said he has what it takes to represent the 52nd District in state Senate, replacing Tom Libous, who has held the seat since 1988 and was convicted of a felony last month.

"They'll be big shoes to fill no matter who sits in that seat, but I plan on working very very hard once I get there and producing those results that the community needs," Akshar added.

Akshar has never run for elective office.

"At this point in time, I think that's what Albany needs. We need new leadership and fresh ideas. We don't need the same old politicians going back to Albany playing the insider game that's happened for decades and decades. We've seen what that's gotten us. So Fred Akshar is a new leader, he's got fresh ideas. We're really excited to have him go represent us," said Broome County Republican Chairman Bijoy Datta.

And those who know him best believe he'll do great things.

"He's trustworthy where he can actually say this is what I'm going to do and it's going to get accomplished. He's just not here for the title. He actually wants to get out there and work, which is what he's done in the 13 years he's worked here," said Broome County Sheriff David Harder.

Although he's heading into uncharted territory, Akshar said he's always wanted to serve the people of this area and looks forward to doing exactly that. 

"Look, it's going to be very hard. It's going to be very time consuming, but you know what, I have the full support of Sheriff Harder for my candidacy. Made my decision very easy to make," said Akshar.

And heading into the special election, not an ounce of doubt or hesitation coming from the Republican committees.

"He's going to be the senator come November 3rd," said Datta.

Datta said now it's time to hit the ground running. He's excited for Akshar to start making his stops throughout the district and they look forward to the election on November 3rd.

Businessman Denver Jones is also in the mix. He said he would run no matter who the Republicans picked. He said the party's process was not transparent. The Democrats are supporting former Broome County Executive Barbara Fiala. She announced her intentions to run last week.

Governor Andrew Cuomo mentioned her as a prime candidate following the conviction of former Senator Tom Libous.