Lifelong Oswego native and resident Tom Drumm has secured the support of the Oswego County Democratic Committee in the race for New York’s 50th Senate District seat. The 50th district is centered around the suburbs of Syracuse and covers parts of Onondaga and Oswego counties. Democratic state Senator John Mannion will vacate the seat later this year.

“I’m very grateful for the backing of the Oswego County Democrats,” Drumm said in an interview. “They took a chance on me when I was 22 years old running for the County Legislature, and I am very thankful to have them in my corner.”

Drumm, now 31, made history when he was elected to the Oswego County Legislature at 22 years old, becoming the youngest legislator in New York at the time. During his three terms, he rose to serve as minority leader, making him one of the youngest to hold the position in Oswego County’s history. If Drumm is elected for the 50th Senate District seat, he would be the youngest person to occupy the seat in more than two decades.

“We feel great about our campaign,” Drumm said. “The campaign is very excited to get out on doors and speak directly to voters. We’re looking forward to continuing to build momentum.”

Drumm’s campaign calls attention to various issues within New York. Three areas his platform focuses on are updating New York’s economic development practices, social services and childhood poverty and a further improvement in education with an emphasis on rural areas in the state. As the June primary nears, Drumm’s campaign is focusing on gaining signatures.

“The goals short term for the campaign is to run a really robust voter contact program and gather signatures to get on the ballot,” Drumm said. “Our campaign path to victory is by engaging across Senate District 50.” 

Candidates need to gather at least 1,000 legitimate signatures to qualify for the primary in June.

Drumm faces competition for the seat from fellow Democrat Chris Ryan, 51, from Geddes, New York. Ryan secured the backing of the Onondaga County Democratic Committee earlier this month. Drumm said he will continue his campaign despite the decision and seeks to challenge Ryan in the primary.

“I want to thank the Oswego County committee members for all the positive conversations we had over the past few months, and for the confidence they have placed in me with this endorsement,” Drumm said in a press release. “Though this is an incredible accomplishment, our work is not done yet. I am committed to earning the support of all Central New Yorkers, and I look forward to championing my community in Albany.”

Photo provided by: Gabrielle Lagatella