Key Points
- Aviation bill failed: Langworthy voted yes on the ROTOR Act to prevent midair collisions, but the bill did not pass after the Pentagon opposed it.
- 2026 election challengers: Two Democrats (Aaron Gies, Kevin Stocker) began petitioning to seek the Democratic nomination and to flip NY-23. (WSKG)
- Letters to the Editor:
- Owego Pennysaver letter demands fact-checking of Langworthy’s “inflammatory” telephone town halls.
- Observer Today letter links Langworthy’s Jamestown office closure to constituents’ immigration/crime fears and accuses Langworthy of supporting “bullying.”
The recent news cycle included mentions of Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23), highlighting his work in Congress, early signs of the 2026 election, and his constituents’ ongoing frustration with him.
House Rejects Aviation Safety Bill Langworthy Voted For
A piece published in Military.com reported on the House’s failure to pass the ROTOR Act (Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform). The bipartisan bill, which had already cleared the Senate, would have mandated Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast In (ADS-B In) systems on aircraft near busy airports to help prevent midair collisions—similar to the tragic January 2025 crash near Reagan National Airport involving an American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter that claimed 67 lives.
The measure fell short of the required two-thirds majority under fast-track rules, garnering only 264 votes in favor amid opposition from airlines, general aviation groups, and a late Pentagon shift against it.
As chairman of an aviation safety caucus, Rep. Langworthy voted in favor of the bill. He was puzzled over the Pentagon’s opposition. Addressing victims’ families, he said, “But I don’t think they should be completely dejected. I do think there are avenues to bring it back… There’s will to solve this problem.”
Read the full article on Military.com
2026 Election Cycle Kicks Off
WSKG (a regional public media/NPR affiliate) covered the start of petitioning for two Democratic candidates seeking to unseat Langworthy in the 2026 midterms and flip the solidly Republican seat for the first time in nearly 16 years.
- Aaron Gies (Cattaraugus County) has secured endorsements from five county Democratic committees (Erie, Cattaraugus, Steuben, Niagara, Tioga). He’s emphasized shared priorities such as healthcare, jobs, safe homes, and family time, and has attended dozens of community events since launching his bid.
- Kevin Stocker (Erie County) is pushing for a competitive primary and plans extensive door-to-door canvassing to build support.
Both challengers criticize Langworthy for not holding in-person town halls since taking office in 2023. Some constituents have even staged an “empty seat” event in protest. Langworthy has countered that telephone town halls reach a broader audience—he claims to dial up to 100,000 numbers per session.
Petitioning for designating petitions runs through April 2, ahead of the June 23 primary.
Letters Highlight Criticism of Langworthy’s Style and Accessibility
Two local newspapers published opinion pieces/letters reflecting constituent discontent:
- In the Owego Pennysaver Press, A letter from Marita Florini of Newark Valley questioned the lack of media fact-checking of Langworthy’s commentaries and statements. It referenced office protests (e.g., at his Corning location), his 2026 campaign announcement, threats that led to abandoning a Jamestown office plan, and the absence of in-person town halls. The writer described his telephone town halls as “proclamations of the world according to Langworthy” that are “often inflammatory and divisive,” urging District 23 media to scrutinize both what he says and what he avoids.
Letter in Owego Pennysaver Press
- The Observer Today published a piece by Virginia Hughes that drew parallels between Langworthy’s decision to close his recently reopened Jamestown office over “credible threats” and “fear of harm” and the everyday fears constituents face regarding immigration and crime (e.g., being afraid to work, shop, send kids to school, or attend church). The letter accused him of supporting “party leaders’ bullying and threats” carried out by “masked thugs,” suggesting he was now “tasting the other side of [the] immigration problem.”
