SENECA COUNTY, N.Y. — Three candidates for Seneca County judge will face off in the primaries.

Current Seneca County District Attorney Barry Porsch is up against former DA Donna Cathy and Assistant County Attorney David Ettman.

While each candidate holds strong attachments to the area, Ettman says his commitment goes beyond qualifications and background.

“I’ve spent most of my time in the courts, frankly, that this judge is responsible for. That’s in family court. I’ve done everything in that court; I’ve defended individuals and children,” Ettman said. “I know what it’s like as what most of the attorneys have to deal with in terms of bouncing from court to court to keep the justice process moving.”

Cathy said her community involvement has helped prepare her for a position on the county bench.

“We have a multi-bench court here, which means our judge presides over criminal and family court, surrogates and other matters,” Cathy said. “My long-term active community involvement over the past 25 years in this community has uniquely prepared me to understand in a different way the needs in our community.”

In Thursday’s primary, election voters on both sides of the aisle will choose their candidates.

Seneca County District Attorney Barry Porsch has been endorsed by eight parties, including the Democrats, Independents, Conservatives and Republicans.

“I did factory work for 13 years before I went to college full time,” Porsch said. “I’m an independent, hardworking district attorney. I typically work seven days a week. I have a track record of success in trial work and appeal work and I’ll continue to do that if I am elected county clerk judge.”

Longtime Seneca County Judge Dennis Bender retired in April. County voters will now choose his successor in November.