(WENY) -- Former Congressman Joe Sempolinski announced he is running for New York State Assembly.

Sempolinksi, a republican, is running for election to the 148th Assembly District, a seat currently held by Assemblyman Joe Giglio. Sempolinski is currently Giglio's Chief of Staff. Giglio this week informed the Olean Times Herald he would not be seeking re-election. 

Previously, Sempolinski served in the House of Representatives for New York's 23rd Congressional District, serving out the remainder of former Rep. Tom Reed's unexpired term from 2022 to 2023. Before being elected to Congress, he worked in Reed's district office as a congressional staff member.

The 148th Assembly District covers all of Cattaragus and Allegany counties, as well as a portion of Steuben County. 

“I can be the most effective voice possible for the people of this district” Sempolinski said. “And the people don’t have to take my word for it because I’ve done it already. I represented every piece of the 148th Assembly District during my time in Congress and I was able to be successful despite a shortened term and serving in the minority. This experience, plus my time as Chief of Staff for this very office, means I can deliver for this region in a way no one else could.”

There are currently no other declared candidates for the 148th Assembly district seat.