The race for New York State's 52nd Senate District is intensifying as incumbent Democrat Lea Webb and Republican challenger Mike Sigler are running for the position. Webb narrowly won the seat in 2022 and is focused on reproductive rights, healthcare access, and supporting union jobs. Sigler has been a Tompkins County Legislator for more than a decade and is emphasizing public safety, economic concerns, and a shift away from what he calls “extreme” politics. 

Lea Webb 

Since her election in 2022, Senator Lea Webb has concentrated on protecting reproductive rights, enhancing healthcare access, and promoting job growth through union support. Webb has championed legislation to strengthen abortion protections in New York, which she aims to maintain as a sanctuary state for reproductive rights in a post-Roe v. Wade world. 

“We are fighting for our freedoms in a post-Dobbs world, and we must do everything we can to protect our bodily autonomy,” Webb said. “I will continue to deliver on my promise to ensure New York remains a sanctuary for reproductive rights.” 

Webb also chairs the New York Senate Committee on Women’s Issues and has worked on initiatives to improve healthcare outcomes for mothers and babies. Additionally, she has been a strong advocate for increasing access to healthcare across her district, which includes Cortland County, Tompkins County, and part of Broome County. 

Webb has received endorsements from several prominent organizations in recognition of her efforts. Eleanor’s Legacy, a statewide organization that elects pro-choice Democratic women, praised Webb for her commitment to reproductive rights and healthcare. 

“We at Eleanor's Legacy are proud to endorse Lea Webb for State Senate. It is more important than ever to elect pro-choice women,” said Julie Shiroishi, Executive Director of Eleanor’s Legacy. “We know that voters want to see strong pro-choice candidates, and Lea Webb is the woman for the job.” 

Webb has also been endorsed by the New York State Laborers Union, representing over 40,000 unionized construction workers nationwide. She has committed to advancing policies that support the creation of good-paying, union-represented jobs in the Southern Tier and beyond. 

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the hard-working men and women represented by LIUNA-NY,” Webb said. “I will always be a strong voice for working families and look forward to our continued work together.” 

Additionally, Webb has received endorsements from The New York State Working Families Party, and the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV). 

"As a State Senator, Lea Webb has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to environmental protection and fighting climate change,” NYLCV President, Julie Tighe said. She continued saying that Webb is on tack to earn a perfect 100% on the NYLCV Environmental Scorecard. 

According to Tighe, “[Webb] has championed policies that promote clean energy and public transportation, green jobs and education programs, food security and zero-waste initiatives, and more. For these reasons and more, we are proud to endorse her for reelection to the State Senate." 

Mike Sigler 

Mike Sigler has called himself a moderate Republican and has served on the Tompkins County Legislator for 14 years. Sigler launched his campaign emphasizing the need for new leadership in Albany. Sigler has been critical of what he describes as “extreme politicians” and has focused on public safety, economic issues, and reducing the influence of downstate politics on his district. 

“Albany is broken, and extreme politicians like Lea Webb are the core of the problem,” Sigler said. “In the Senate, Webb doesn’t vote to help the people of the 607 area code; she votes the way her NYC and Albany bosses tell her to vote.” 

Sigler’s campaign has gained momentum by creating the "Local 607" party, a new independent political party representing the interests of Broome, Cortland, and Tompkins counties. Sigler and his team collected nearly 5,000 signatures to secure a spot for the party on the November ballot, surpassing the required number by almost 1,800 signatures. 

“The Local 607 Party isn’t about me or any other candidate. It’s about the people of our communities, who’ve been suffering from skyrocketing prices, job losses, population outflow, and dangerous laws like Bail Reform that make our streets less safe,” Sigler said. 

Sigler has received endorsements from several law enforcement organizations, highlighting his stance on public safety and support for police. The Ithaca Police Benevolent Association (IPBA), Tompkins County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, and the New York State Union of Police Associations (NYSUPA) have all backed his campaign. 

“Having you stand with us, denouncing the proposed abolishment of the Ithaca Police Department while also supporting practical and meaningful reform efforts, was noticed by the membership of the PBA,” said IPBA President Thomas Condzella in his endorsement letter to Sigler. “That, along with your support of local unions and public workers in general, also contributed to our unanimous vote to support you.” 

The Tompkins County Corrections Officers Association (TCCOA) also endorsed Sigler, with TCCOA President Shawn Hogan praising his dedication to public safety. “You have dedicated much of your public career to fighting for the safety and security of our community’s families. You have a track record of sound judgment, and you work to learn and understand the needs of every aspect of the communities you represent,” Hogan said. 

Campaign Dynamics 

The race between Webb and Sigler reflects a broader political dynamic, with each candidate portraying the other as out of touch with the district's needs. Webb's campaign has framed her as a defender of progressive values and reproductive rights, while Sigler has positioned himself as a moderate Republican focused on pragmatic solutions to local issues. 

Sigler has criticized Webb’s endorsement from the Working Families Party (WFP), referring to them as a “radical” group. However, WFP representative Ravi Mangla has refuted Sigler's categorizations of the group, saying they are “a coalition of unions and grassroots community groups advocating for fair and affordable housing and an expanded child tax credit in NYS.” 

The WFP defended themselves against Sigler's criticism, with Co-Directors Jasmine Gripper and Ana María Archila emphasizing the reason they chose to endorse Webb in a statement saying, “With more New Yorkers than ever struggling with the high cost of living, we need elected leaders who will fight to level the playing field for working people and make New York a place where people can afford to live and raise a family.” They added, “We’re excited to work with our endorsed candidates over the coming months to put forward a positive vision of how New York can better meet the needs and aspirations of working families.” 

Sigler has also been criticized by local progressive groups for his involvement in a lawsuit that aims to overturn early voting in New York State. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Republican National Committee and other Republican organizations and challenged the New York Early Mail Voter Act, which allows voters to cast their ballots by mail during the early voting period.  

Plaintiffs argue that the law violates the New York Constitution by expanding mail-in voting beyond the constitutionally enumerated classes of absentee voters. Despite multiple legal setbacks, including dismissals by both the trial and appellate courts, the plaintiffs, which include Sigler and Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, continue to appeal — with the latest appeal pending before the New York Court of Appeals. 

Tompkins County resident Carol LaBorie expressed her concern about Sigler’s involvement in the lawsuit, stating, “It’s surprising that a candidate for state Senate is a party to [a lawsuit] seeking to make it harder for us to vote.” 

The 2024 General Election is slated for Tuesday, November 5. Early voting is from October 26 to November 3, and absentee ballot voting is available. As both campaigns gear up for the final stretch, voters in New York's 52nd Senate District will have to weigh the priorities and promises of each candidate to decide who will best represent their interests in Albany.