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.
Jim Weatherup Endorsed by MACNY’s Political Action Committee
Jim Weatherup, the Republican and Conservative 120th Assembly Candidate, announced today that he was endorsed by MIPAC, the Manufacturing & Industry Political Action Committee, and the political action arm of MACNY. MIPAC also represents the Manufacturers Alliance of New York State.
Responses to questionnaires were reviewed to determine pro-manufacturing candidates and those who are ready to work on manufacturing issues.
In a press release announcing their endorsements, MIPAC indicated its board members “look to endorse pro-manufacturing candidates from districts throughout New York State, focusing their attention on key issues including workforce development, tax reform, energy policy, regulatory reform, and competitiveness.”
“Our job creators are what keep our communities and local economies humming. Their investments in infrastructure and the workforce are critical to the future of our area and to future generations. I am deeply humbled and honored to have received the Manufacturing & Industry Political Action Committee's endorsement for the 120th Assembly District,” said Weatherup. “The work they and their members provide on a daily basis is invaluable. I look forward to working further with MACNY on issues important to its members so we can, together, improve the state's business and tax climate.”
According to the press release announcing the endorsement, the Manufacturing-Industry Political Action Committee (MIPAC) is the political arm of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York and the Manufacturers Alliance of New York State. MIPAC consists of manufacturers and business owners concerned about the status of New York’s manufacturing and business climate. MACNY, a non-profit organization, serves more than 350 manufacturing companies and non-industrial service providers throughout the Central New York region.
In addition to the MIPAC endorsement, Jim Weatherup has been endorsed by Republicans, Conservatives, IBEW-Local 97, National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB)-New York, New York League of Conservation Voters and Assemblyman Will Barclay. He has also earned an A-Rating from the NYS Rifle and Pistol Association. To learn more, visit www.jimweatherup.com.