ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Joe Morelle won the Democratic primary less than 24 hours ago, but candidates are already looking ahead to the general election in just four months.

Republican candidate Dr. Jim Maxwell says that as a neurosurgeon he’s seen how broken the health care system is. He says he strongly supports the Me Too movement, will fight for more federal funding for cancer research for Monroe County, restoring the county’s economic prosperity. He says that last year nearly 200,000 New Yorkers migrated to different states, which is the highest in the country.

”Rochesterians are still suffering from high state and local taxes," said Maxwell. "Our district needs a representative in Congress that will advocate for common sense on taxes, regulation and federal spending."

Voter turnout in Tuesday night’s Democratic Primary showed 18 percent of registered democrats in towns voted, while 14 percent voted in the city. Joe Morelle says the results were higher than what the Board of Elections predicted.

“I think there’s a lot of energy," Morelle said. "Obviously we’d like a much higher turnout, but if you look at historical numbers typically it’s 10 or 12 percent and this was not quite double that, but considerably higher than anyone projected."

“Those percentages are pathetic and they speak in apathy of the body politic in the citizens. I think people are so frustrated that they almost think their vote doesn’t county anymore — what difference does it make?” added Maxwell.

Maxwell says he will continue to run his race his way, offering a fresh face in the race.

 “I’m an independent guy, I’m not going to Washington to tow the party line, and all I want to do is what’s right for Monroe County. I will stand up to anyone who hurts Monroe County,” added Maxwell.

Morelle says what’s important is that the people of the district feel that they're present and representing them well.

 “I think the final thing is making our streets safe. We see what tragedy’s happen around the country. I’d like to make some of the things we’ve done in a positive way in New York and take those ideas to Washington,” added Morelle.

The Congressional seat was previously held by the late Louise Slaughter for more than three decades. On November 6th the general election will decide a new representative.