OBSERVER file photo U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy in the town of Ellicott last week.

Do not expect a level playing field when it comes to the races for U.S. Congress in this region that spans two states. Both incumbents Nick Langworthy of New York and Glenn “G.T.” Thompson of Pennsylvania appear to have plenty of support in their highly Republican districts.

Langworthy made a pair of stops in Chautauqua County last week to announce federal funding for projects in the town of Ellicott and Randolph. While in Dunkirk, he and state Sen. George Borrello and Assemblyman Andrew Molitor gathered to announce their continued support for the repowering of the NRG plant on the shores of Lake Erie in Dunkirk.

Though the city filed an application with the New York Power Authority noting its interest in having nuclear power at the plant’s site, the three Republicans believe that will take too long to come to fruition. “We can’t afford to wait 10, 15, 20 years for new plants to come online while our grid is under strain right now. … That’s why we support converting this shuttered Dunkirk plant, this monument to bad policy,” Langworthy said. “Repower NRG with natural gas. It can be done! It takes the will of the governor, it takes the will of the legislature, it certainly will take the cooperation of the federal government, which I am completely prepared to dig in and help in any way, shape or form.”

Since he took office in 2023 in District 23 that includes Chautauqua and Erie counties as well as a large section of the Southern Tier, the Congressman is low key when it comes to making appearances. That did not derail his most successful and enthusiastic event during his terms that took place in Jamestown over two days in August when he hosted a visit by Swedish Ambassador the Hon. Urban Ahlin.

From performances by the Thule Lodge Festival Dancers to proclamations and a Key to the City at the opening event, Ahlin was overwhelmed. It also rekindled a strong Swedish pride for the south county city.

Though some 250 residents were in attendance, the event was not highly publicized. Those lack of interactions — and his strong support of current President Donald Trump — are driving the campaigns and talking points for his challengers.

Aaron Gies, who resides in Olean, announced this week he has received the Democratic endorsement from five parties within District 23 that include: Cattaraugus, Erie, Niagara, Steuben and Tioga. Gies is challenging Erie County attorney Kevin Stocker for the party nod.

“Since announcing my candidacy in August, I’ve spent time at over 79 events in communities throughout the district,” Gies said. “I go to listen first. What I hear is consistent. People are working hard, but the basics feel further out of reach. I hear that they want a good life they can afford, a good life not stolen by corruption in Washington. A good life shouldn’t be a luxury for insiders. It should be there for everyone. Our campaign is committed to achieving that shared goal.”

Langworthy also has a challenger for the Republican ticket in James King, who considers himself a moderate and is from Tioga County, which is on the east end of the district within an hour of Binghamton.

King and Gies plan to meet with the public in southern Erie County on Tuesday to discuss the representation of our district in Congress and alternatives. Both say they plan to listen not just to the audience members, but to each other on how Congress can and should improve lives in Western New York. That gathering will be at the Evans Center Fire Hall in Angola at 6:30 p.m.

In Pennsylvania, Thompson’s most recent shining moment came in January when he stood with Trump as the president signed into law his Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025. The House of Representatives approved the legislation in December following Senate approval in November. The act provides schools with the flexibility to offer flavored and unflavored whole and 2% milk options, helping ensure children receive the nutrition they need to grow, thrive, and succeed in the classroom.

“I have worked for over a decade to restore whole milk to our school cafeterias, which have been limiting healthy choices for students, but that changes today, thanks to President Trump signing this into law,” said Thompson, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture.

Right before Valentine’s Day, former intelligence and foreign service officer Ray Bilger announced his challenge as a Democrat for the District 15 seat, launching his campaign in Warren County. He served in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm and distinguished himself as a security officer and intelligence analyst, leading teams for the Air Force, National Security Agency, and State Department. Most recently, from 2015-2017, he was NSA Technical Director for Cyber Analysis.

“This is the best chance we’ve had in almost two decades,” Bilger said in Warren County on Feb. 12. “But we need people on the ground.”

They also need a strong turnout at the ballot box. Recent Congressional votes, however, indicate that will take a lot of work — and a strong discontent with what is happening in Washington.

Trump’s polling numbers may be declining when it comes to the economy, but these regions — especially now — are not supporting the brand of the Democratic party.

John D’Agostino is editor of The Post-Journal, OBSERVER and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-487-1111, ext. 253.