Several Republican candidate were in Lakewood Tuesday to open the party’s official 2016 election headquarters for Southern Chautauqua County. (Photo courtesy of Tom Reed for Congress)

LAKEWOOD – Congressman Tom Reed (R-Corning, NY 23) was one of several Republicans who showed up in Lakewood Tuesday night to help open the 2016 Election Headquarters for local GOP candidates. Reed was on hand to thank supporters in the area and acknowledge the fact that the county has the highest number of residents compared to any of the other ten counties in the 23rd district.

Congressman Tom Reed (R-Corning, NY 23) talks with a constituent during the opening of the Chautauqua County Republican Party’s 2016 Election Headquarters in Lakewood, NY.

“Chautauqua County is home to more than 130,000 people. I am proud to bring their voices to Washington because I truly care about these families,” said Reed. “We need to fight for fair policies to bring more jobs home to Western New York–I’m dedicated to you and your family.”

Besides Reed, other Republicans running for office in 2016 include incumbent State Senator Cathy Young (R-Olean, 57th District), and incumbent State Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R-Chautauqua, 150th District).

There will also be two special elections for two county-wide offices. Republican Mike Sullivan (Fredonia) is running for the Chautauqua County Family Court Judge seat that opened with the retirement of Judge Judith Claire. And Republican attorney Jason Schmidt (Fredonia) is running for District Attorney in a seat that was vacated when former DA David Foley left his post to become Chautauqua County Court Judge.

Chautauqua County Republican Committee Chairman Al Hendrickson says that he thinks the GOP will carry a very strong ticket in the 2016 Election.

“We couldn’t have a better team with Congressman Reed, Senator Young, Assemblyman Goodell, and County Executive Vince Horrigan – who’s obviously not running but he’s part of the team,” Hendrickson said. “As far as the location of the headquarters goes, it’s a great location. Convenient parking for anyone who wants to stop by. I’m happy with it.”

In addition, there is also a state-wide office up for election, with Republican Wendy Long (New York City) challenging U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-New York City) in his reelection bid for a fourth consecutive term in the upper chamber.

Several other town and village races are set to take place across the county, with a complete list of offices available at the Chautauqua County Board of Elections website.

Campaign sings for all candidates can be picked up at the GOP headquarters, which is located at 119 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood, N.Y.

Meanwhile the Democratic Party in Chautauqua County has yet to open a campaign headquarters in Southern Chautauqua County. However, Democratic candidate John Plumb, who’s challenging Tom Reed for the 23rd Congressional District, does have his campaign headquarters in Jamestown, where he was born and not far from his hometown of Randolph, NY.

His campaign spokesman says that anyone wishing for a campaign sign or to assist with the campaign can do so by visiting JohnPlumbforCongress.com, or follow the campaign on Facebook and Twitter.