Hickey: “Now’s The Time” for Binghamton Race

Edward Hickey says he's "sure a lot of people" were surprised by his announcement that he plans to run for the Republican nomination for Binghamton mayor.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, the 45-year-old Hickey said he'd been "kicking around the idea for a couple of months."

Hickey, who manages two pubs on Main Street in Binghamton, said he told some people he intended to launch a campaign after Richard David announced in February he'd decided not to run. David this week revealed he's changed his mind and will seek the Republican nomination.

Hickey said when David had indicated he wouldn't be running, he thought "now's the time."

Hickey spent his early childhood in Endicott before leaving the region. He said he returned to the Binghamton area about 20 years ago.

He now manages the Belmar and Fitzie's, bars that are owned by his father.

Hickey said he views himself as the "outsider" in the race to determine who will succeed Democrat Matthew Ryan, who can't run for re-election because of a term limit law.

While he's prepared to face Richard David in a primary for the Republican nomination, Hickey said he expects to be on the November ballot on the line of the Eagle Party, which he said he's formed to provide an alternative to city residents.

City Council president Teri Rennia has announced she's seeking the Democratic nomination to run for mayor.