Local Politician Tom Drumm Mounts Campaign for New York’s 50th District Seat

Tom Drumm

Former Oswego County Minority Leader Tom Drumm has announced and mounted his campaign for New York Senate’s 50th District Seat. On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, Drumm kicked off his 2024 campaign promising to bring “a promise of a new generation of leadership” to the capital city of Albany, New York where the state’s government is headquartered and seated.

Drumm, who was first elected to the Oswego County Legislature at 22, would be the youngest person to occupy the 50th Senate District Seat in over two decades. He says, “My generation can’t sit this out. We need a new generation of leadership in Albany.” He is seeking the New York State senate seat being vacated after current NYS Senator John Mannion recently announced that he is running for congress.

“I’ve committed the majority of my adult life to public service, and the idea of being able to serve my hometown in Albany is a tremendous opportunity, and one that I don’t take lightly,” Drumm said. “We are living in one of the most polarized times in our history – . folks have reverted back into their respective ideological corners, on both sides; in Central New York, we're not immune to this, but I believe we have more that unites us then separates us.”

According to sources involved in Drumm’s campaign announcement, Drumm, 30, and a lifelong native of Oswego, made history by being elected to the Oswego County Legislature at the age of 22, becoming the youngest county legislator in New York State at the time. Over three terms, he ascended to the role of minority leader, marking him as one of the youngest to hold this position in Oswego County's history. With a strong background in labor relations and extensive experience in political and union organizing over the past eight years, Drumm has worked for organizations including the New York State Democratic Committee and the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT). Drumm presently serves as a program representative with the New York State Nurses Association.

“I have known Tom [Drumm] for many years, and from the beginning it was clear to me that he stands for exactly what we need in Albany: fresh, exciting leadership that is rooted in a steadfast commitment to the community that he loves. Tom is the right person for Senate District 50, and I am proud to endorse his candidacy,” said Oswego County Democrats Chair Betsy Passer.

“Drumm’s love for his community runs deep and clearly informs his run for State Senate. His family has resided in Central New York for generations, and his commitment to the working class is derived naturally from the lessons he learned growing up, living, and working here. I am confident that Tom will serve SD 50 the same way that he always has: with an ear to the ground and an eye for change. He has my full endorsement and my complete confidence,” Oswego City Democrats Chair Lisa Glidden added.