By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Former Erie County Sheriff Patrick Gallivan declared his candidacy Tuesday for the 59th district State Senate seat being vacated by Dale Volker. His entrance into the race sets up a rare three-way Republican primary. Former Erie County Republican Chairman James Domagalski and former East Aurora Mayor David DiPietro are also running. The primary could feature four candidates if Lancaster Village Mayor William Cansdale decides to run.
Gallivan currently serves on the State Parole Board. He is expected to resign to run for the Senate.
Domagalski has been endorsed by the Erie County Republican party. But Gallivan says he will seek the support of Republicans in Wyoming, Genesee and Livingston counties.
"Given the current state of Albany, there is so much at stake for those us who live, work, and raise a family in western New York," Gallivan said in an e-mailed statement announcing his candidacy. "We are overtaxed, underemployed, over-regulated and have seen a culture of corruption in Albany unlike any other."