EARLVILLE – Congressional hopeful Michael Kicinski took his campaign to the next level on Friday with an announcement that petitions have been filed for the 2014 Republican primary.

Kicinski officially threw his hat in the ring for the running for New York’s 22nd Congressional District in November. According to the Kicinski campaign, he is the only “non-politician” in the running.

“I would like to thank all the dedicated volunteers who sacrificed their time and efforts through the snow, rain, and windy weather that we all had to endure to gather the signatures,” said Kicinski in a written statement. “We met so many on walks that support 100 percent constitutional citizen representation, and we look forward to continuing on with the campaign.”

Kicinski, an Earlville resident, is also a longstanding affiliate of the Tea Party Patriots. Despite losing in the primary and general election to Republican incumbent Richard Hanna in 2012, Kicinski said he will have an edge in the upcoming elections as more citizens are fed up with their government.

“While the politicians compromise on the debt, budget, and constitutional rights, I will remain firm and uncompromising,” Kicinski said on Friday. “I pledge to defund and repeal Obamacare, defend our Second Amendment, vote no new debt limit, and vote for real spending cuts and a balanced budget. I will defend family, marriage, and life at all stages. I am the only true Republican and Conservative. I am the one stand-out candidate in this campaign.”