When Alissa Ellman walked into that Department of Veterans Affairs office in 2025, she thought she was building a career helping fellow veterans navigate the complex world of government benefits. She’d served her country in Afghanistan, taught underprivileged kids, and raised two daughters as a single mom in Lockport. The work felt meaningful—until the pink slip came.
Like thousands of federal employees caught in DOGE budget cuts, Ellman found herself suddenly unemployed, watching from the sidelines as the very veterans she’d been helping struggled without adequate support. But instead of retreating, she did something that would reshape Wayne County’s political landscape: she started asking questions.
Her questions about Congressman Claudia Tenney’s voting record led to town halls. Those town halls led to months of silence from the incumbent. And that silence? It led Ellman straight to a decision that would make her the centerpiece of Wayne Democrats’ endorsements for 2026.
A Strategic Political Lineup Takes Shape
The Wayne County Democratic Committee didn’t just throw darts at a board when they met in Lyons on February 24th. Their endorsements represent a calculated effort to flip key seats across multiple levels of government, from Congress down to the State Assembly.
These Wayne Democrats endorsements signal a broader strategy to challenge Republican dominance in what’s traditionally been a conservative-leaning region. The party’s backing carries significant weight in terms of fundraising, volunteer support, and name recognition heading into what promises to be a competitive election cycle.
“We’re not just endorsing candidates—we’re investing in a vision for Wayne County that puts working families first,” said committee member Sarah Rodriguez, who participated in the endorsement process.
The timing of these endorsements, coming nearly two years before the election, demonstrates the party’s commitment to building strong campaigns from the ground up rather than scrambling at the last minute.
Meet the Endorsed Candidates
The three candidates receiving Wayne Democrats endorsements bring diverse backgrounds and compelling personal stories to their respective races:
| Candidate | Office Seeking | District | Key Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alissa Ellman | U.S. House | 24 | Army veteran, former VA employee |
| Scott Comegys | State Senate | 54 | Local government experience |
| Joseph Lamanna | State Assembly | 130 | Community advocate |
Ellman’s journey from classroom teacher to congressional candidate embodies the kind of authentic leadership story that resonates with voters tired of career politicians. Her experience helping veterans secure benefits gives her firsthand knowledge of how federal programs actually work—and where they fall short.
“After being fired for doing my job helping veterans, I realized that real change has to come from the ground up,” Ellman explained during a recent campaign event. “Wayne County deserves representatives who understand what it’s like to work for a living.”
Scott Comegys brings years of local government experience to his State Senate bid, while Joseph Lamanna has built a reputation as a tireless community advocate. Both candidates represent the party’s effort to field experienced, credible challengers rather than placeholder candidates.
- All three candidates have deep roots in their respective communities
- Each brings professional experience relevant to their targeted office
- The endorsements span federal, state senate, and assembly levels
- Early endorsements allow for extended campaign preparation time
What This Means for Wayne County Voters
These Wayne Democrats endorsements don’t just represent party politics—they signal real choices for voters who’ve felt overlooked by current representation. The candidates’ backgrounds suggest campaigns focused on practical issues like veteran services, healthcare access, and economic development.
For voters frustrated with partisan gridlock, the emphasis on service and community involvement over political resume-building offers a refreshing alternative. Ellman’s town halls about Tenney’s voting record, for example, demonstrate the kind of accountability that many constituents crave.
“We’re seeing candidates who actually live the issues they’re talking about,” observed local political analyst Mike Thompson. “That authenticity could be powerful in races where voters are looking for genuine representation.”
The early endorsements also mean these candidates will have nearly two years to build name recognition, raise funds, and develop detailed policy platforms. That’s crucial in districts where Democratic candidates often struggle with visibility and resources.
Wayne County’s changing demographics and growing frustration with incumbent performance create opportunities that didn’t exist in previous election cycles. The Democratic Party’s coordinated approach across multiple races could create momentum that benefits all their endorsed candidates.
Economic concerns, healthcare access, and government accountability—issues that transcend party lines—are likely to dominate campaign discussions. The endorsed candidates’ professional backgrounds position them well to address these concerns with credibility and specific experience.
“Voters want to know their representatives understand their daily struggles,” explained campaign strategist Jennifer Walsh. “These candidates can speak from experience about issues like job security, veteran care, and making government work better.”
FAQs
When will these candidates appear on the ballot?
The 2026 elections will take place in November 2026, with potential primary elections in the spring or summer.
What districts do these candidates represent?
Ellman is running for U.S. House District 24, Comegys for State Senate District 54, and Lamanna for State Assembly District 130, all covering portions of Wayne County.
Are these endorsements binding for Democratic voters?
No, endorsements are recommendations from the party committee, but all registered voters can choose any candidate in primaries and general elections.
How significant are early endorsements like these?
Early endorsements provide crucial advantages in fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and building campaign infrastructure well before election season intensifies.
What makes Alissa Ellman’s candidacy unique?
Her combination of military service, teaching experience, federal government work, and dismissal during DOGE cuts gives her a compelling personal story and policy credibility.
Will there be primary challenges to these endorsed candidates?
While possible, early party endorsements typically discourage primary challenges by demonstrating unified party support and early organizational advantages.
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