Democrat Debra Gelson has her announced her candidacy for the Binghamton City Court Judge, ahead of the election this November.

Gelson will challenge the incumbent Sophie Bergman for the judgeship, who was just earlier this year sworn in as Binghamton City Court Judge after being appointed by Mayor Jared Kraham.

The Democrat brings over 35 years of court experience -- with 15 years as a prosecutor, 15 years as a defense attorney, and ten years as a judge. Gelson currently serves as the Senior Assistant in the Republican District Attorney Michael Korchak's office, and has received bipartisan support for her candidacy leading up to her official announcement.

Gelson has worked in public and private practice in Binghamton for several years, but also spent several years in Trenton, New Jersey.

"We need to have someone that is experienced and that will do the right thing, that will ensure the public confidence in the court system. And I believe that I can do that," stated Gelson. "[The court] is something that should be free of politics, and influence. [It] needs to be a position that you are doing the right thing at all times," she added.