Endorsements
Photo Caption: IBEW Local 97 has endorsed Jim Weatherup for NYS Assembly. Pictured from left is retired union business representative Kern Yerdon, IBEW Local 97 Business Representative Jimmy Yerdon, Candidate for NYS Assembly District 120 Jim Weatherup, President and Business Manager of IBEW Local 97 Michael Shelby, and IBEW Local 97 Treasurer and Business Representative Anthony Bugge.
IBEW Local 97 Endorses
Jim Weatherup for State Assembly
For Immediate Release: Aug. 19, 2026
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 97 announced today it has endorsed Jim Weatherup for the 120th Assembly District seat.
“We are proud to emphatically endorse Jim Weatherup for the 120 Assembly District. Jim is a local family man, born and raised in Oswego County. He has been a public servant for many years and currently serves as Chair of Oswego County Legislature. Jim is well versed in the intricacies of energy and understands how energy production and distribution directly affect affordability while simultaneously protecting good-paying union jobs,” said Michael Shelby, President and Business Manager of IBEW Local 97.
“His acceptance and encouragement of nuclear power helps drive down consumer prices, and provides clean, reliable energy for his constituents. His stances on labor and energy, specifically, Natural Gas and Nuclear Power, are aligned with IBEW Local 97,” added Shelby.
"I am honored to have the support of IBEW Local 97 and its membership in my campaign for State Assembly. The work Local 97 does to maintain and grow jobs at our energy generation facilities—whether it is at the nuclear power plants in Scriba, the hydropower facilities on the Oswego River, or the steam plant in Oswego—is critical to our energy supply and our local economy. I am beyond proud to have the support of these hard-working people,” said Weatherup.
IBEW Local 97 is comprised of 4,600 members who work at various locations including Constellation, Brookfield Power NY Hydro, National Grid, New York Independent System Operator, NRG Energy, Public Service Electric and Gas, and many other sites.
Jim Weatherup is running for the 120th Assembly District seat on both the Republican and Conservative lines in this year’s election. He has also been endorsed by long-serving Assemblyman Will Barclay and Oswego County Clerk Terry Wilbur.
The 120th Assembly District includes all of Oswego County, southern Jefferson County and northern Cayuga County where agriculture, manufacturing, energy production, and small businesses play a vital role in the regional economy. Weatherup has focused his campaign on affordability, support for local governments, economic growth, protecting agriculture, and ensuring rural communities have a clear voice in state policy decisions. To learn more, visit www.jimweatherup.com.
NFIB Endorses Jim Weatherup
for State Assembly
Jim Weatherup, candidate for the 120th Assembly District, announced today he has received the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB). NFIB-New York is among the state’s most respected business organizations advocating for small businesses, job creators and statewide economic growth.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of NFIB-New York. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. They understand what it takes to succeed and remain competitive with other states. I look forward to working with NFIB do what I can to assist small businesses. They are the lifeblood of our Main Streets and are our job creators," said Weatherup.
In a press release announcing candidate endorsements, Ashley Ranslow, NFIB New York State Director, states:
“Electing pro-small-business lawmakers in New York is more critical than ever. Small businesses employ nearly half of all employees in New York and produce half of the state’s GDP. Small business owners are integral to the state’s economic health and communities, but unfortunately all too often, Albany policymakers continue to overlook Main Street. It is imperative that we have lawmakers who are focused on preventing harmful regulations and mandates on small businesses and reigning in onerous levels of taxes and fees for our Main Streets to survive. The NFIB New York PAC is proud to endorse a bi-partisan group of legislators who have a proven track record or show a deep commitment to fighting for and supporting small businesses.”
Founded in 1943, NFIB is the state and the nation’s leading small-business association. For more than 76 years, NFIB has been advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. New York state legislative endorsements are determined by NFIB’s NY PAC, the association’s state political action committee comprised of actual small business owners from across New York state.
Jim Weatherup will be on the ballot this fall. Early voting starts Oct. 24 and Election Day is Nov. 3. The 120th Assembly District includes all of Oswego County; Sterling, Ira and Victory in Cayuga County; and Ellisburg, Lorraine, Worth and Adams in Jefferson County.
Weatherup is the Republican and Conservative candidate, currently serves as Chair of the Oswego County Legislature, and represents Hastings in the Legislature. Weatherup has focused his campaign on affordability, support for local governments, economic growth, protecting agriculture, and ensuring rural communities have a clear voice in state policy decisions. To learn more, visit www.jimweatherup.com.