AFTON – Two weeks after former State Senator Tom Libous left the office of the 52nd District, Republican leaders from Chenango, Broome, Delaware and Tioga counties have their pick for a replacement.

At a press event held in Afton’s Foster Park on Monday, Broome County Undersheriff Fred Akshar formally announced his candidacy for the position, gaining favor among the Chenango County Republican Committee to appear on the ballot for a special election slated for November. Akshar was a unanimous pick among all four GOP representatives in the 52nd District to fill the empty seat in the senate.

Akshar, a native of Afton, has served the last 15 years in law enforcement working his way up the ranks from a road patrol officer, to undercover detective, to undersheriff for the Broome County Sheriff’s Office – a position he was appointed to in June.

“Through my work, I have come across some of the most heinous crimes, criminals, and their victims,” said Akshar. “Seeing people at their worst has motivated me to commit my life to making our community the best it can be.”

Akshar said if elected, he would address the area’s most concerning issues, including the heroin epidemic that’s plagued the county and surrounding areas, as well as the sluggish local economy.