Gies, a Democrat, will challenge Rep. Nick Langworthy this November
From Aaron for NY23,
OLEAN, NY (July 15th, 2025) – Today, small-town professor, non-profit leader, and democracy advocate Aaron Gies announced he is running for Congress in New York’s twenty-third district. After exploring candidacy by meeting with activists and concerned citizens in partisan and non-partisan settings, Gies shared with supporters his intention to challenge Nicholas Langworthy in 2026, emphasizing the need to elect leaders who listen to and lift up those they serve.
“We’re in an affordability crisis in New York State. The American Dream is out of reach for most people,” said Gies. “A government that favors those at the top isn’t just wrong because it’s unfair, it’s wrong because it doesn’t work. 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.”
Aaron Gies is a professor and board chair of a local non-profit farm. He regularly assists in the running of his wife’s veterinary practice. Born in rural NC and raised in a small town, Aaron appreciates rural life’s unique challenges. As the son of a self-employed contractor and a school secretary, he learned the value of hard work and enterprise as well as education.
“I’m running for Congress because government only works when leaders put the people first,” added Gies. “Nick Langworthy won’t meet with his constituents. He rubber-stamps everything the Trump administration does, no matter what it means for those he serves. Tariffs and high prices are hurting our small businesses, funding cuts are killing our local hospitals and schools, and working families are struggling to pay for housing while special interests are celebrating their government largesse. Western New Yorkers and residents of the Southern Tier are hardworking, resilient, and creative. Our government should invest in us, not exploit us for the benefit of greedy elites.”
Key dynamics in NY-23:
- The district has not had a serious Democratic challenger since redistricting in 2024.
- This year, the Cook Political Report moved NY-23 from R+12 (2023) to R+10. Elise Stefanik’s district, NY-21, which is being strongly contested by Democrats, is also R+10.
- Although the district is overwhelmingly rural, 60% of active voters live in Southern Erie County, which has been trending Democratic.
- Langworthy is tightly tied to Trump and extreme Buffalo Republican mega-donor Carl Paladino.
- Gies has a broad and growing coalition of support, including farmers, teachers, small business owners, faith leaders, students, veterans, and more. His approach of listening first and building consensus around existing strengths appeals to voters across a wide ideological spectrum.
Photos of Gies can be found HERE and attributed to the campaign. Follow the campaign online at www.aaronforny23.com, facebook (/aarongies23), Bluesky (@aaron.gies.bsky.social) and X (@AaronGiesNY23).
For more information, contact: press@aaronforny23.com.
