Both a Republican and Democratic primary election will be held for Donna Lupardo’s 123rd New York State Assembly seat following the announcement of another Republican candidate.
On Feb. 27, Republican Heather Micha announced her candidacy for the position. Micha is the second Republican to announce her candidacy for the seat, following Lynn Parker’s campaign announcement in February.
Lupardo, who is currently serving her 11th term in office, was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 2004 and announced she would not be running for reelection in January. Her district, the 123rd Assembly District, includes the City of Binghamton and surrounding areas, including the towns of Union and Vestal.
Micha will join a large pool of candidates, with four Democratic candidates announcing their campaigns for the position within a few weeks following Lupardo’s announcement — Daniel Norton, Nick Libous, Dan Livingston and Jermaine Graham. On Feb. 12, Lupardo announced she would be endorsing Norton.
What to know about Republican candidate Heather Micha
Micha, a lifelong Broome County resident and mother of two, is currently completing her Master of Arts in Applied Theological Studies. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business, Management and Economics from SUNY Broome Community College and SUNY Empire State College.
Micha is a co-founder of Divine Mission Ministries Inc. and founder of Harmony Memorial Foundation, which aims to help children affected by substance use disorder. Micha has also operated Nice to Micha Cleaning Service for the past 14 years.
Micha has served as the president of the NYSW Binghamton Chapter and the Broome County Status of Women Council, and currently serves as the Vice President of Great Women of Royalty Inc.
As a candidate, Micha said the top areas of focus are economic growth, innovative energy solutions and tackling affordable housing, homelessness, mental health and education issues.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Republican Heather Micha announces candidacy for 123rd Assembly seat
Reporting by Riccardo Monico, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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