HORESEHEADS, N.Y. (WENY) -- New Chemung County legislature candidates announced their running campaigns Friday for the 2022 election.  

In regard to Chemung County’s Legislature, everyone's term expires this year. This year, a lot of candidates are vying for a seat. 

This evening, 12 candidates kicked off their campaign for the upcoming election. Candidates came together to talk about their values and goals they wanted to achieve in their campaigns.  

Businessman Caleb Hafler, candidate for the 13th district, thanked attendees for sharing his belief system. Hafler is running for the position that is currently held by Republican legislator Scott Drake. 

“I am here because I see a need to be here,” he said. “I am here because I don't think we are being properly represented in Chemung County and that doesn't sit right with me.” 

Todd Moss, candidate for 10th district, explains that his passion to run comes from God. The position is currently held by Martin Chalk.  Moss, similar to other candidates, said he wishes to bring new ideas to Chemung's Legislature. 

“When I speak, they're going to hear me in Albany,” he said. “Enough with the unconstitutional mandates...no more mandates.” 

Fifteen years ago, a 22-year-old Joe Brennan became the youngest legislator in Chemung County history. Tonight, he announced that he is running again to secure his position as the Vice Chairman of the 4th district.  He asked the public to listen to why he is the right choice for re-election. 

“It's important that we have a county that our kids can grow up in and that's one of the biggest problems we have,” he said. “We have kids that after their done with high school and college...they're out of the area.” 

 Brennan said people can expect good things from this group of Republican candidates. 

Other candidates such as John Pitman, running for the 2nd district, and Ryan Purvis, running for the 6th district spoke as well. The 2nd district position is currently held by Chairman David L. Manchester and the 6th is held by Brian Hyland.  

“You can expect change, you can expect transparency, you can expect people that are going to respect your wishes when it comes to medical decisions you want to make with your own body,” he said.  

Congressional candidate for New York's 24th district, Andrew McCarthy, marked the conclusion of tonight's event with a speech to those running for the county legislature. 

“To the candidates, understand this...your decision to run is one based in faith and protected by destiny,” he said. “Our character is being tested.”