Chemung County, NY (WENY) -- Damian Sonsire has officially launched his campaign to become the next Chemung county court judge.

Sonsire is seeking to replace former county judge Christopher Baker who was recently elected to take over as a New York supreme court justice. The Horseheads native spent over a decade working for the district attorney's office, handling many high profile criminal cases. Sonsire has spent the last two years working in the Chemung county attorney's office handling and prosecuting family cases. He said he'll be able to bring his experience, trying both criminal and family case, to the bench. Sonsire said that even as a prosecutor, you're forced to look at both sides of a case and relevant facts. He said with his background, as judge, he'll be able to remain fair and impartial.

“I've been very fortunate to spend my professional career in public service think the reputation that i have not only at the district attorney's office but through the Chemung county attorney's office is one that keeps an open mind, is firm, is fair, and is consistent and that's what i plan on bringing to the judgeship.” said Sonsire.

Sonsire will formally announce his candidacy in the Chemung County federal building's courtroom at 5:15pm on January 7th.