ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- An Ithaca geologist announced that she is running for a position in the Tompkins County Legislature.

Judith Hubbard is running as a Democrat for the District 5 seat in the Legislature, according to a press release sent to WENY News. Hubbard is hoping to fill one of two new seats being added to the Legislature for 2026 after redistricting efforts in 2022.

If elected, Hubbard says she will work to ensure Tompkins County values are protected and defended.

“Many Tompkins County residents are dealing with unprecedented uncertainty about their lives and livelihoods,” said Judith Hubbard. “The increasingly unpredictable political environment will have real impacts for many people who live and work here. We need proactive leadership to help ensure that our community stays resilient and can even thrive during trying times.”

She says she also wants to work to ensure the county property assessment process is transparent and fair, as well as support common-sense solutions that protects the environment and meets the needs of the greater community.

Hubbard grew up in Ithaca, before attending and earning a doctorate in geology from Harvard. She then taught in Singapore where she studied earthquakes for ten years before moving back to Ithaca.

District 5 encompasses the Cornell University Campus, as well as parts of Fall Creek and Cayuga Heights.