Retired Firefighter and Army Veteran Mike Bolles Announces 2026 Bid for 52nd State Senate District, Setting Up Challenge to Sen. Lea Webb

Retired Binghamton firefighter, paramedic, and 22-year U.S. Army veteran Mike Bolles announced Monday morning that he is running for New York’s 52nd State Senate District. Bolles will run on the Republican ticket, challenging incumbent Democrat Lea Webb, who is seeking a third term.

The 52nd Senate District includes all of Cortland and Tompkins counties, as well as a large portion of Broome County.

“I’ve dedicated my life to helping others and showing up to fight the tough battles for our community and our country,” Bolles said. “As a retired Army veteran, firefighter, and small business owner of 100% American-made graphic apparel, I feel called back to public service. I’m running for State Senate because our state government is in crisis, and I want to help fix it.”

Bolles began his military career at age 17, enlisting in the U.S. Army Delayed Entry Program. In 2001, he was deployed to Ground Zero alongside members of the Binghamton Fire Department to assist with recovery efforts following the September 11 attacks.

After that experience, Bolles re-enlisted in 2007 and went on to serve an additional 16 years in the military.

“After witnessing firsthand the devastation of the September 11 terror attacks, I made the decision to return to military service,” he said. “It was a sacrifice my family was willing to make to defend our safety and freedoms. Today, New York families are stretched thin by the challenges coming out of Albany. We’re paying more and getting less. I’ve seen enough, and I’m ready to serve again—to restore affordability, support our first responders, and fight for every resident of the 52nd Senate District.”

Bolles retired from the Binghamton Fire Department in 2015. During his tenure, he was elected seven consecutive times by members of Binghamton Firefighters Local 729, IAFF, where he helped negotiate two multi-year labor contracts.

He remains active in the local veterans community and is a life member of American Legion Post 1194 and VFW Post 478. He also volunteers with the Broome County Veterans Memorial Association, the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group, and other local military service organizations.

Bolles lives on Binghamton’s East Side with his wife, Jill. They have two adult children and two grandchildren.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.