LANCASTER, N.Y. -- A former District Attorney's Office prosecutor, a retired environmental engineer and a local businessman are among the group of diverse candidates hoping to supplant Republican Chris Collins as a representative for the 27th Congressional District.

Friday, they were brought together by grassroots groups who want to see a Democrat claim the seat in 2018. 

According to Heather Hartel, a local leadership team member,  it's time for a change.

"There are so many people across the 27th district in all the counties who are very frustrated with Congressman Collins, and we feel we need to get the ball rolling and try to find a candidate as soon as we can because we need to consolidate all of that grassroots energy," Hartel said. 

Sean Bunny announced his candidacy earlier this week, while Tom Casey and Nicholas Stankevich are considering a run.

They fielded questions on the challenges that have kept the seat out of grasp in the past, including Collins' $1.5 million war chest.

Tom Casey, a candidate for the district seat says funding will be a major challenge in unseating Collins.

"The heart of my campaign will be volunteers. I will raise donations all from small donors," Casey said. 

Another hurdle for the Democratic candidates is the number of Republicans in the area. Organizers estimate that active Republican voters outnumber Democrats by 35,000 votes. That disparity has helped Collins comfortably secure the seat in the past.