The Republican primary for New York’s state Assembly’s 130th District is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched races this month. With incumbent Brian Manktelow opting not to seek re-election, three candidates—George DobbinsSummer Johnsonand Mark Johns—are competing to represent the district, which encompasses the town of Webster and all of Wayne County.
The race has garnered significant attention due to its competitive nature. Johns has secured endorsements from the Monroe County Republican and Conservative parties, while Dobbins has the backing of the Wayne County Republican and Conservative parties, as well as Manktelow himself. Johnson, meanwhile, is running independently, emphasizing her alignment with the district’s conservative values.
The Candidates: Backgrounds and Endorsements
George Dobbinsthe youngest of the three candidates, was born and raised in Lyons, where his family still owns a pharmacy. After studying law at Georgetown University, he returned to his hometown and now commutes to Rochester for his real estate law career. Dobbins has previous political experience, having worked on Manktelow’s campaign for state Senate in 2016 and being elected to the Lyons town council in 2026.
Summer Johnson made a name for herself in local politics with a narrow victory in the 2026 Marion town supervisor race, winning by just 20 votes. She served one term in the position before running again in 2026 on the Conservative and Renew Marion party lines, ultimately losing to her Republican opponent. Johnson emphasizes her conservative principles and her ability to represent the district’s values.
Mark Johns brings the most political experience to the race, having served as an assemblymember representing the 135th District from 2011 to 2026. After redistricting, he was narrowly unseated but continued his political career by joining the Webster Town Board and later being appointed to the Monroe County Legislature in 2026. Johns is known for his advocacy for term limits and government reform.
Key Issues: Affordability and Economic Opportunity
All three candidates agree that affordability and economic opportunity are critical issues for the 130th District. Dobbins highlights the challenges faced by Wayne County, including the closure of factories and the resulting brain drain. He advocates for making it easier to build more single-family houses to attract young families and revitalize the area.
Johnson emphasizes the need for immediate relief from high energy costs, which she attributes to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. She criticizes the state’s rebate checks as insufficient and calls for more substantial support for residents struggling with rising costs.
Johns, meanwhile, focuses on the need for government reform, citing the high salaries and benefits of elected officials. He advocates for term limits and transparency, arguing that the current system is broken and in need of significant change.
The Trump Effect and Bipartisan Opportunities
The candidates have differing views on national politics and the impact of the Trump administration. Johnson aligns closely with Trump’s policies and has accused Dobbins of being a “RINO” (Republican in name only). She supports the administration’s actions, including the recent lawsuit challenging federal cuts to education funding.
Dobbins prefers to focus on local issues and avoids commenting on national politics. He emphasizes the need for bipartisan cooperation and advocates for shared goals, such as increasing funding for BOCES and promoting conservation efforts.
Johns questions whether the other candidates have the right mentality to handle Albany politics, citing Dobbins’ decision not to participate in a recent debate. He pledges to term-limit himself and accept no pension for his position, emphasizing the need for reform from outside the system.
Regardless of who wins the Republican primary, the winner will face a Democratic supermajority in state government. The candidates are prepared to advocate for their constituents and draw attention to the positive aspects of the district, while also addressing the challenges they face.
