The race for New York's 125th Assembly District, which covers Tompkins and part of Cortland counties, is a bit different this year.

After 18 years in office, Democrat Barbara Lifton isn't running again. That means a new face representing the district in Albany.

Democrat Anna Kelles and Republican Matthew McIntyre are both hoping to bring their experience to the state capitol. Kelles believes her time as a Tompkins County legislator gives her an edge.

"Been doing lobby work for the last five years since I've been on the legislature so I have both state and local experience I think, which is very important for this position," said Kelles.

McIntyre, meanwhile, points to his business experience and time in the Marine Corps.

"Been blue collar, I'm currently in white collar position, served in the military, and my background's actually business so I'm an entrepreneur myself. I have my own business and everything," said McIntyre.

Education reform is a key topic for both candidates. McIntyre wants to reevaluate standardized testing, while Kelles will push for universal Pre-K.

"So many people now are trying to pick between whether they go back to work, or whether they stay home. And the burden of that economically on the family is really intense," said Kelles.

"Education system needs to be looked at and overhauled. We need emphasis on making sure that there is better funding for all the school districts," said McIntyre.

The environment has been a priority for the current assemblywoman and both candidates say they plan to work on climate change.

"Our grid is, it's old, its obsolete. And our ways of producing electricity need to be more sustainable and greener," said McIntyre.

"My undergrad was environmental studies and I was a guide in the Amazon jungle," Kelles said. "I mean it is in my blood. It is part of what I love to do. I chaired for several years the Environmental Committee at the county."

Both candidates also say one of their top priorities will be economic recovery.

"We're losing businesses like that that are established," McIntyre said. "Because of the regulations there. We're also having a lot of people that can't open businesses because of the red tape and the regulations and the licensing and the fees and everything like that," said McIntyre.

"Mask wearing, messaging, all of that, but we're really going to need in this upcoming year to focus on economic recovery. For me that looks like a focus on job creation, work force development, particularly in the green infrastructure arena," said Kelles.

If McIntyre were to win the election, it would be the first time a Republican held the seat in at least 18 years. Kelles says if elected, she would be the only public health scientist in the state legislature.