Binghamton Mayor Rich David has made it official. After finishing his term as city leader, he plans to run for the New York state Senate next year.

Joined by dozens of supporters, including departing state Sen. Fred Akshar, David announced his decision Tuesday afternoon.

Akshar is leaving the Senate seat for a run at Broome County sheriff.

David said many of the same reasons he was motivated to run for mayor are driving him to seek the 52nd Senate District seat, including improving infrastructure and supporting law enforcement.

He said that one-party rule and a race to the left has had a negative impact on the state.

“I am concerned about how many of the policies that are passed and signed into law in Albany are having a negative impact on communities across the state of New York, and as mayor, I have a front-row seat to seeing some of those problems and the results that occur, and I’m responsible for dealing with that," David said.

“Arriving at the decision to leave the state Senate and run for Broome County sheriff was a relatively easy decision for a whole host of personal reasons, but also knowing that someone of Rich’s caliber was ready to step in and role up his sleeves and continue to serve the people of this great district," Sen. Akshar said.

While David is the first candidate to officially announce, former Deputy Broome County Executive Kevin McManus told Spectrum News 1 that he’s considering a run for the state Senate on the Democrat side, along with a possible run for Congress.