St. Bonaventure professor announces congressional run for NY23 in 2026 election

Editor's note: A previous version of this article contained incorrect information about where Gies lives, which has been corrected.

OLEAN, N.Y. (WETM) — Another democratic candidate has announced his campaign to run against incumbent Congressman Nick Langworthy for New York's 23rd Congressional District.

Aaron Gies, of Olean, a current assistant professor of Theology and Franciscan Studies at St. Bonaventure, and leader of a non-profit organization, announced his bid for Congress on Tuesday, July 15.

Gies intends to challenge Nick Langworthy, emphasizing the need to elect leaders who listen to and lift up those they serve, according to his announcement.

"We're in an affordability crisis in New York State," Gies said, "The American Dream is out of reach for most people. A government that favors those at the top isn't just wrong because it's unfair, it's wrong because it doesn't work," he said. "This crisis can only be solved by all of us together. Rural folks know how to take care of themselves. They need their government to support them, not sell them out to elite interests," Gies said in his announcement.

Gies made claims in his announcement that Congressman Langworthy refuses to meet with his constituents, tariffs and high prices are ruining small businesses, while Langworthy rubber-stamps everything the Trump administration does, regardless of the issue.

Gies pointed out that these are some of the key issues why he is running for Congress.

Born in rural North Carolina, Gies now lives in Cattaraugus County and understands small-town life. He spends time as a bookkeeper and helps run a non-profit vegetable farm.

Gies now joins Kevin Stocker in the democratic race running against Langworthy.

18 News reached out to Congressman Langworthy's office for a statement on Wednesday. Langworthy said he will not comment on any campaign matters at this time.