Chairman Michael Kracker

05/27/2026

Thank you to our Sheriff, John Garcia for lending his support to this important legislation!

SHERIFF JOHN C. GARCIA
UNDERSHERIFF WILLIAM J. COOLEY

STATEMENT FROM SHERIFF JOHN C. GARCIA

“Hunting is a generational tradition for thousands of our Erie County neighbors. It supports family bonding, safe firearm handling and healthy wildlife populations. The New York State Legislature accurately recognized this in 2021 when it authorized a pilot program allowing 12 and 13-year-olds to obtain licenses to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow. Adult supervision is required. The pilot program has been so successful – as shown by data - that the Legislature extended the pilot program in 2025. It is time for Erie County to opt into this program. Our county legislators must override the County Executive’s veto of Local Law 3-1 at tomorrow’s session.

“In vetoing this law, the County Executive correctly said, ‘(F)irearms and crossbows are tools that require sustained judgement, focus, and discipline.’ But he doesn’t take into account the data released by the Department of Environmental Conservation in February that shows this pilot program supports these qualities. In five hunting seasons since the pilot program began, there have been zero hunting-related shooting incidents, violations or license revocations. Not one. There is an obvious reason for this. The philosophy that is the backbone of this program is entrenched in the idea that hunters must learn safe hunting practices early in life. Five years’ worth of data shows that is exactly what is happening.

“Erie County is one of just two eligible counties in the state that still does not allow 12 and 13-year-olds to hunt deer with fi****ms and crossbows. There is no other state in the country that prohibits this. It just doesn’t make sense. Our county legislators have an opportunity tomorrow to right this wrong, and I encourage them to vote to override the veto.”

05/27/2026

This is a lie from Mark Poloncarz.

The supposed “clerical error” appeared on a sign held by the County Attorney at a county press conference and was written directly into the county’s own - now amended - form. Now that people are asking questions, we’re being told everyone misunderstood.

You don’t accidentally put the same “mistake” on signs, forms, and public materials. Erie County Democrats rushed out a poorly drafted mandate, created confusion for local businesses, and are now trying to walk it back.

05/21/2026

Made it back from Albany to support Legislator Lindsay Lorigo at her event in West Seneca. Great to see so many people out tonight supporting Lindsay and the work she’s doing for her district and Erie County taxpayers.

05/14/2026

05/13/2026

Looking for volunteers to collect signatures for Bruce Blakeman outside Key Bank Center tomorrow night. Message me if you're available!

05/12/2026

📰STATEMENT:

Today’s ruling is a major embarrassment for Kathy Hochul and the partisan operatives she installed at the Public Campaign Finance Board. The Court saw through this disgraceful attempt to weaponize the public system against Bruce Blakeman's campaign to save New York.

Once again, Hochul’s political machine tried to rig the rules for their own benefit, and once again, they failed. This decision is a victory for fairness, transparency, and every voter who is sick and tired of Albany insiders abusing power to protect their failing one-party rule.

05/08/2026

Great crowd last night at the Byrd House in Orchard Park for Scott Honer’s campaign kickoff.

Scott understands that people are frustrated with rising costs, higher taxes, and politicians who seem more focused on politics than results. He’s stepping up to fight for taxpayers and deliver for his district in the mold of Legislator Jack Mills.

05/05/2026

Great time supporting the New York State Federation of Republican Women at their 107th Annual Conference & Gala tonight in Albany!

05/01/2026

Thanks to everyone who made the 14th Annual Grand Old Puffer a big success!

A special thank you to Vice Chair John Schmidt, our generous sponsors, Buffalo Ci**rs, and Butcher Dave’s BBQ for helping put together a great night in Orchard Park. Always good to be with so many friends and supporters of the Erie County Republican Committee.

04/23/2026