Mike Gentile officially jumped into the race for the 119th New York State Assembly seat on Tuesday, setting the stage for a wide-open contest following Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon’s decision not to seek re-election. Gentile, a lifelong Mohawk Valley resident and longtime public servant, says his campaign will focus on showing up, listening, and representing people who feel increasingly disconnected from Albany. READ MORE: Utica Chicken Riggies Hits Big Time in Major US City“This campaign is about presence and understanding,” Gentile said. The seat is open after Buttenschon, a Democrat first elected in 2018, announced she will not run for another term. Gentile says additional details about his campaign and upcoming events will be announced in the coming weeks.