Election Day is right around the corner, and the 148th state Assembly District seat is up for grabs.

What You Need To Know

  • The race for the NYS 148th Assembly District is up for grabs on Election Day
  • Joe Giglio is the longtime Republican incumbent
  • Ross Scott is the Democratic candidate for the seat
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As one of the largest in the state, the 148th Assembly District is comprised of all of Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, as well as four towns in Steuben County.

This year's race for the seat pits a seasoned Republican incumbent from Gowanda against a longtime Democratic attorney from Andover, who re-enters the political arena for the first time since losing his bid for Allegany County district attorney in 2009.

"I don't feel like a complete stranger, but it's a strange year. Always been interested actually in running for the Assembly but the timing was never right," said Ross Scott (D) said.

Scott has worked on election campaigns for decades, and has secured the Democratic line on this year's ballot for the 148th Assembly race.

He says preserving the agricultural base, protecting farmers, and the environment are some of the key issues of his campaign.

"Just want to see good government. The governor does not either fully understand or fully care about the concerns of us Western New Yorkers," said Scott.

Despite that, Scott says he can make a larger impact, and earn the trust of others in Albany as a member of the Assembly's majority party. 

The longtime attorney serves as Allegany County's representative on the state Democratic Committee and says he has previously discussed many issues with Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul.

"And me being of the same party as the governor, I think I'll be in hopefully a better position to get some leverage there," said Scott.

"I live the issues facing my district. I'm aware of what family people face all the way through," incumbent Joe Giglio (R) said.

Giglio has spent the last 15 years in the state Assembly and is seeking a fifth term representing the 148th District.

Giglio says there's still work to do, and wants to use his seniority to work in a bipartisan manner on issues like bail reform and the COVID-19 crisis. 

"I don't know how you can walk away from those kinds of situations. Public service is part of what I've done my whole career. I understand this district. It's a big district, 2,500 square miles. And it's something you have to learn. Plus, I know the ropes in Albany," he said.

Giglio says other important issues to him and his constituents include increased funding for education as well as stimulating the economy.

"Well those topics affect their lives every day. Their kids are the ones that go to school, they're the ones that pay school taxes. It is where jobs are available. And how we're doing and how much money is coming into our economy. To make sure that we're treated fairly by the downstate interest," said Giglio.

There are about 12,000 more registered Republican voters across the district.