Two familiar faces are hoping to be the Republican nominee for the 22nd Congressional District race, and they've challenged each other before. George Phillips and Claudia Tenney will face off in Tuesday's primary for the chance to unseat Democrat Anthony Brindisi.
"I know what we need to fight for in Washington to get this country back on track," said Phillips, a history teacher from the Southern Tier.
Phillips says his background in studying history gives him a unique perspective when viewing the racial tensions in America.
"Over 50 years ago, the War on Poverty was declared by Lyndon Johnson," said Phillips. "All of these programs are well-intended [but] unfortunately have caused more harm than good in many cases. We have generations of poverty, generations of welfare, the same level of poverty rates as we had 50 years ago."
Phillips says more needs to be done to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and push for equality.
"We need welfare to work," he said. "We need to revitalize our cities with pro-job creation policies, pro-growth policies. That's what I'll fight for in Congress."
When asked if he supports the Black Lives Matter movement, he said in part, "All lives matter, certainly. And it's just heartbreaking. I did my thesis in college on civil rights. I've taught in inner city D.C. schools. I've taught in a maximum security youth detention facility. I've worked for the Kemp Foundation. These issues are very dear to my heart. We've got to look at the pain in this community. We've got to speak out against the injustice of George Floyd and others."
Phillips wasn't wearing a mask at his outdoor rally on Thursday, but he said he practices social distancing, and believes people need to take proper precautions.
He's looking ahead to a hopeful day with a COVID-19 vaccine, and a more normal society.
"I'm the one who can beat Anthony Brindisi. I have conservative values, and I've been there for the voters, went door-to-door, phone calls, I've been accessible. I'll do that as your congressman, and I hope that Republicans will make me their nominee on Tuesday," Phillips said.