BROOME COUNTY, N.Y. -- New York State Senator Fred Akshar is officially running for re-election.
Akshar announced his candidacy at his "Spedies with the Senator" event, on Thursday night.
Akshar, a Republican, was elected as the 52nd district senator during a special election last November.
The district covers Broome, Tioga, Delaware, and Chenango counties.
Akshar said he wants to continue the fight against heroin and opioid abuse and to improve the business climate in New York State.
He said he is excited to campaign throughout the election season.
"I am going to work as hard as I ever have, as hard as I have been working since the day I was elected. We're going to do the same exact thing and talk about issues that are important to the people,” said Akshar.
Akshar faces a challenge from Democrat Sharon Ball.