Ian in the News

Ian Phillips has been endorsed by two top Cayuga County Democrats in his bid to challenge Assemblyman John Lemondes in the 126th Assembly District. 

Auburn Mayor Jimmy Giannettino and Cayuga County Legislature Chair Aileen McNabb-Coleman are supporting Phillips, D-Auburn, for state Assembly. 

"From his tireless work to support our schools and his advocacy for policies that support working and middle-income residents, Ian's record of results shows he's exactly what we need to combat the divisive rhetoric and lack of action in Albany," Giannettino said. 

McNabb-Coleman added, "The extremism at every level of government is reducing our ability to solve problems and hindering our ability to support good-paying jobs, quality schools, affordable communities and our shared values. I've known Ian for years and I know he'll fight for our families and for commonsense solutions." 

Phillips, a political organizer for New York State United Teachers and president of the Auburn school board, launched his Assembly campaign this week. He is one of two Democrats in the race. Gregg Eriksen, a former Skaneateles village trustee and town board member, is also vying for the party's nomination. 

Lemondes, R-LaFayette, is running for a third term representing the 126th district, which includes parts of Cayuga and Onondaga counties. He was first elected in 2020 to succeed the late Gary Finch. He won reelection in 2022. 

Republicans hold an enrollment advantage in the 126th district, with GOP voters outnumbering Democrats by 4,400.