A democratic congressional candidate is trying to get her message out to the community ahead of next month's primary.

Juanita Perez Williams officially kicked off her campaign for the 24th district race. She opened her office on West Adams Street in Syracuse Saturday.

Then she along with her supporters knocked on doors to meet with community members.

Perez Williams says she joined the race because she didn't want to sit on the sidelines and that people want change. She believes her experience running for Syracuse mayor has made her a better congressional candidate.

"What I learned the most was that, when we are out there and speaking to people,” said Perez Williams. “People don't care what party you belong to, what your affiliation is.  They just want to know that you hear them, and that you're going to be their voice.  So from that race, I've learned we need to talk about the individual, their issues, their concerns, and be as inclusive as we possibly can."

Perez Williams will face the party-backed candidate Dana Balter in the primary on June 26th.

The winner will face incumbent Republican John Katko this November.