It appears Juanita Perez Williams will soon be back on the campaign trail. Onondaga County Democratic Chairman Mark English says Juanita Perez-Williams will be looking to challenge Representative John Katko in the 24th Congressional District. In November she lost the Syracuse Mayoral Election to Independent Ben Walsh.

Many might wonder about her chances since she lost in a city dominated by registered democrats. Jonathan Parent is an Assistant Political Science Professor at Le Moyne. He says Democratic candidates including Perez Williams should fare well this year.

"If she were to get the nod, if she were to get the democratic nomination, I frankly think any Democrat who is going to run against Katko this year is probably going to have a good shot at it, simply because of the national mood," Parent said.

In recent history, the 24th has changed parties frequently. Parent says that could be beneficial to anyone challenging the congressman.

Parent added, "This district has obviously been a swing district historically, there's actually a slightly democratic advantage. So, it's almost a bit of an aberration that it's a Republican that's representing the district right now."

Katko says his focus isn't on the race right now. When there is a nominee the congressman says he'll welcome debates and looks forward to talking about his record and the impact it's had locally.

"And I'm going to tout everything I've done for the local economy, everything I've done for the local community, from a safety standpoint to a water standpoint and every other thing I've done,” Katko said, “And we'll see what happens. If it's about my record and not about this other nonsense out there, I'm confident we'll have a good shot."

We reached out to Juanita Perez Williams for comment but have not heard back. She has to meet an April 12th deadline to get on the democratic primary ballot.

Perez-Williams will have to challenge the party-endorsed candidate Dana Balter. Balter is also trying to run on the Working Families Party Line. Democrat Bill Bass is also planning to run for the party's nomination.