John Mannion

Having worked three decades as a high school science teacher, John Mannion ran and won a seat in the New York State Senate in 2020. Now he is running to flip a seat in New York’s 22nd Congressional district.

Mannion’s grandparents moved from Ireland to New York. looking for a better life. His father worked for 42 years at New York Central Railroad, and his mother worked for the New York Telephone Company.

He graduated from the State University of New York, attending SUNY Binghamton and Oswego.

In the New York Senate, Mannion has served as chairman of its Committee on Disabilities, where he advocated for the state’s most vulnerable citizens. Mannion secured the first cost of living increase for direct support professionals, as well as worked to boost employment opportunities and address housing shortages for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. He also has championed environmental protections.

Mannion backs policies defending women’s reproductive freedom, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and strengthening border security. He also supports expanding Social Security and Medicare as well as fully funding schools.

Mannion faces a one-term Republican incumbent, who won in 2022 by only 1 percent, or 2,631 votes. The district includes Syracuse, and Utica, and colleges and universities, including Syracuse University, Hamilton College, Colgate University, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and Utica University. Both Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020 won the majority of the district’s votes.