ELLICOTTVILLE — The Cattaraugus County Republican Committee announced its official endorsements for the 2026 election cycle, “reaffirming its commitment to strong leadership, responsible governance and advancing the interests of local communities throughout the county and region.”
Endorsed candidates include Rep. Nick Langworthy, seeking a third term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Suffolk County Executive Bruce Blakeman for governor, state Sen. George Borrello and Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski.
Other endorsements include Darryl Bloom for Cattaraugus County Court justice, Darrell Klute for Cattaraugus County clerk, Brenda Hanson for Cattaraugus County Legislature, District 2, and Cleon Easton for Cattaraugus County coroner.
The county’s GOP committee also endorsed Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood for lieutenant governor, Joseph Hernandez for state comptroller, Saritha Komatireddy for state attorney general and Bob Richardson for state Supreme Court justice.
The committee noted that Langworthy, whose 23rd Congressional District includes Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, has demonstrated principled leadership, consistently advocating for Western New York and the Southern Tier with efforts focusing on promoting economic development, fiscal responsibility and addressing the needs of rural communities.
“Congressman Langworthy has been an unwavering advocate for our district in Washington,” Cattaraugus County GOP Chairman Mark Heberling said. “His focus on representing the interests of Cattaraugus County underscores his value as an effective representative.”
The county committee called Blakeman, who will challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul this fall, “A proven executive leader who has demonstrated that decisive action can reduce crime, protect taxpayers, and challenge failed Albany policies.”
Hood, as the lieutenant governor candidate, “Brings energy, integrity, and a deep commitment to upstate communities that have been overlooked for too long.”
Borrello of Sunset Bay in Chautauqua County, seeking his fourth full term in the New York Senate’s 57th District, “has been a steadfast advocate for public safety, common-sense legislation and affordable energy,” the committee stated. “He has consistently opposed policies advanced under Gov. Hochul, including bail reform and energy mandates that have increased costs for local families and businesses.”
Sempolinski of Canisteo, seeking a second term in the Assembly’s 148th District, “has championed local businesses, supported law enforcement and promoted fiscal responsibility. His leadership remains essential to protecting the interests of Cattaraugus County residents and strengthening the regional economy.”
Klute, the county clerk, is seeking a second four-year term. “Darrell Klute is a proven leader with the experience, integrity and commitment our county deserves,” Heberling said. “He will run the clerk’s office with efficiency, transparency and accountability, ensuring every resident receives the highest level of service.”
Hanson, the Cattaraugus County legislator, “has demonstrated a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility, community values and effective leadership. Her dedication to the residents of her district makes her the clear choice to continue representing the community.”
Bloom, the Cattaraugus County Court judge candidate, “brings decades of legal experience and a reputation for integrity. His dedication to fairness, justice and public safety earned unanimous support from the committee.
Hernandez, running to challenge state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, “offers financial expertise and independent oversight to safeguard taxpayer dollars and restore accountability to state government,” while Komatireddy, in challenging Attorney General Letitia James, was called “a principled leader prepared to restore fairness, transparency, and the rule of law to the Attorney General’s Office.”
Of Richardson, the state Supreme Court justice candidate, the committee stated “his extensive legal background, commitment to fairness, and dedication to upholding the rule of law make him exceptionally qualified to serve on the New York State Supreme Court bench.”
For release: March 5, 2025
Deputy Sheriff Supervisory Union Endorses Ashley Smith for District Attorney
(Little Valley, NY) The law enforcement organization representing local Deputy Sheriff Supervisors has endorsed Republican Ashley Smith in this year’s election for District Attorney. The endorsement was announced this week in a formal letter from the Cattaraugus County Law Enforcement Officers’ Union Council 82, AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Local 325 Deputy Sheriff Supervisory Union.
In the letter, organization President Jason Dry said, “This endorsement is based upon Ashley’s proven record of professionalism, support of the law enforcement officers of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, and her commitment to confront the law-and-order issues that are currently and continually plaguing the State of New York.”
Dry added, “Ashley is always ready and available to assist the law enforcement members of the Sheriff’s Office. She has consistently displayed a high level of expertise and knowledge in the world of criminal law.”
This latest endorsement continues a wave of momentum for Smith, who recently was endorsed by the Cattaraugus County Republican Committee, Cattaraugus County Conservative Party, Sheriff Eric Butler, former Sheriff Tim Whitcomb, and The Right Thinkers.
Smith is an experienced attorney and prosecutor who currently serves as Cattaraugus County Attorney. She announced her candidacy for District Attorney in January for the soon-to-be-open seat following incumbent Lori Reiman’s announcement that she will not run for re-election.
Since 2020, Ashley has served as Cattaraugus County Attorney, where she has handled serious cases involving neglect and abuse, family offenses, juvenile delinquency and more. She also hanldes civil cases on behalf of the County, serves as legal counsel to the County Legislature and 24 county departments, supervises a staff of 14, and manages a $1.5 million office budget. She previously served as First Assistant Social Services Attorney, where she handled serious cases involving child protective services, abuse and neglect, custody, child support, adult protection, and more.
Ashley lives in Allegany and is the proud mom of four. She is a graduate of Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School, Gannon University and Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
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L-R Former Assemblyman Joe Giglio, Ashley Smith, Mary Kehoe Fay, Chairman Mark Heberling
Cattaraugus County sheriff, predecessor endorse Smith for DA
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/158UXHgUxD/
Eric Butler endorsed by Gowanda Police Department
The former sheriff also noted Butler is the only candidate seeking the office who is a police officer.
“Frankly, I just do not understand how someone who has never been a police officer could hope to handle this critical law enforcement position.”
New York State Law Enforcement Officers Union, Council 82
Endorse Eric Butler for Cattaraugus County Sheriff
Former Cattaraugus County Sheriff, Tim Whitcomb endorses Eric Butler for next Sheriff of Cattaraugus County.
Allegany, Ellicottville and Franklinville Police departments endorse and support
Eric Butler for Cattaraugus County Sheriff
Portville Police Department Endorse Eric Butler for Cattaraugus County Sheriff
Congressman Nick Langworthy Endorses Eric Butler for Cattaraugus County Sheriff
CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION INC, (CSEA) ENDORSE ERIC BUTLER for SHERIFF
Sheriff Butler Endorsed by
City of Olean Police Department and the
City of Olean PD NYS Law Enforcement Officers Union, Council 82 Local 967C- Command Unit.
City of Salamanca and Village of Cattaraugus Police endorse Eric Butler for Cattaraugus County Sheriff
Cattaraugus County Deputies Association Union,
Cattaraugus County Law Enforcement Officers Union Council 82, AFSCME, AFL-CIO Deputy Sheriff's Supervisory Union
Endorsed Eric Butler for Sheriff of Cattaraugus County.
Party chairs in Cattaraugus, Allegany counties discuss seismic changes
Heberling likes JD Vance pick for VP; glad Trump survived brush with death
Cattaraugus Women Invited to Ellicottville to Form Affiliate Chapter of National Organization
Ellicottville. New York, November 30, 2022. Wednesday evening, seventeen Cattaraugus County women met for dinner at an Ellicottville restaurant with the intent of forming a new chapter affiliate of the New York State Federation of Republican Women (“NYSFRW”) and the National Federation of Republican Women (“NFRW”).
Vowing to Protect Rights, NY County Goes ‘Constitutional’
Lawmakers in a conservative western New York county voted unanimously late last month to become a “constitutional sanctuary” where the rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights will be protected. Even the lone Democrat legislator voted in favor of the measure.