SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- For any of the four Democrats running for the 24th Congressional District seat currently held by Republican John Katko, defeating a popular incumbent will be an uphill battle. Each will try to tie Katko to some of the more unpopular policies and rhetoric of President Donald Trump.

Scott Comegys is an alpaca farmer from Palmyra with no political experience, but many ideas.

"At this time, I kind of felt kind of a duty to step up and say I'm not going to complain anymore," said Comegys. "I'm going to offer my solutions."

The candidate is calling for universal health care, environmental protection and education reform. Comegys feels a willingness to understand will resonate well with voters.

Anne Messenger is no stranger to Central New York, having lived, worked and volunteered in the region over the past 40 years.

"After a while I thought, you know, I've done a lot for this community," said Messenger. "Needs some help, needs some better representation and I thought you know what, I'm going to do this."

Her campaign will focus on the economy, jobs, the environment and education. Messenger feels Katko isn't fighting for his constituents.   

William Bass is a Herkimer native, an environmental scientist who left his job in Saudi Arabia to make a run.

"I didn't think America was going in the right direction, and I felt I really needed to do something about it instead of being an armchair politician sharing memes on Facebook and articles," said Bass.

He wants to work on the environment, but also the economy and education.  He feels his diverse background sets him apart.

Dana Balter of Syracuse is a visiting professor at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

"I ... teach at the Maxwell school, helping prepare the next generation of Americans of the complexity of living in a democracy, and Donald Trump threatens everything I teach my students," said Balter.

She's focused on health care, the economy, protecting the environment and education. Balter says she is critical of Katko for not holding more town hall meetings.

The county committees plan to designate a candidate next month.