Elmira, NY (WENY) -- Judge “Otto” Campanella has announced his candidacy to be the next Chemung county court judge.

Campanella made his announcement at the White Eagle's club in Elmira. He's served an Elmira city court judge presiding over thousands of criminal and civil cases. Last year, Campanella was appointed as the acting county court judge. Campanella said he's garnered valuable experience serving as the acting justice. He said as a judge he'll be fair and impartial. But also that he'll treat both his aides and people that appear before him with respect.

"I live here, I work here, I raise my kids here and Chemung county deserves an experienced judge with a history of upholding the law and being fair and firm and has and continues to make Chemung county a better place to live.” Said Campanella.

Campanella will seek to become the full-time Chemung county court judge. He'll face off against challenger Damian Sonsire.