A Syracuse man has entered the 2020 race for New York’s 24th Congressional District.

Roger Misso, a native of central New York, announced Thursday that he has officially filed as a candidate for the Democratic nomination to go up against incumbent Republican Rep. John Katko.

"I am running because I believe in Central New York," Misso said. "Our neighbors and our community deserve leaders who will put our needs ahead of the billionaires, big corporations, and political insiders who fund their campaigns. I am running to bring a new generation of servant leadership to Congress.”

Misso was raised in Red Creek, in Wayne County, and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, followed by a decade of service in the Navy, which included combat operations as a naval aviator. He was deployed twice to the Middle East, flying one of the first airborne missions to combat ISIS in 2014.

He has also been an advocate for victims of sexual assault, a defense assistant in the House of Representatives, and chief speechwriter for the first African-American woman to hold the rank of four-star in the nation’s history.

“I believe in a different kind of politics and a better, more accountable kind of government,” Misso said. “As your representative, my top priority will be to create a strong Central New York economy that is inclusive and accessible to people from every corner of our district. I will fight to provide jobs and security for all, to make health care universal and affordable, and to be a voice for farmers, small businesses, union members, and all the hardworking people who feel that both parties have forgotten them."

The 24th District consists of Onondaga, Cayuga, Wayne and part of Oswego counties. Rep. Katko was first re-elected to represent the district in 2014.