Allen Caruso to challenge Woerner for 113th state Assembly seat

SARATOGA SPRINGS - City business owner Allen Caruso announced on Wednesday night that he will seek to capture the 113th state Assembly seat.

At Panza's Restaurant, the Republican kicked off his campaign to challenge Democrat Carrie Woerner in November with a promise to restore affordability, bolster public safety and support small businesses.

"Our district deserves leadership that understands how expensive it has become to live and operate in New York," Caruso said in a statement. "Families are stretched thin. Small businesses are navigating rising costs. Utility bills continue to climb. I'm running to lower taxes, reduce unnecessary mandates, strengthen public safety, and return practical, accountable leadership to Albany."

He said he plans to do this by eliminating state taxes on tips, ending credit card processing fees on sales tax collected by businesses, promoting investment in upstate New York and ensuring emergency responders have the proper training and equipment they need.

"No one is entitled to public office," Caruso said in a statement. "This race is about direction, affordability, and opportunity for the people of District 113. I look forward to earning the trust of voters and running a campaign focused on the issues that matter most."

According to Caruso's LinkedIn page, he is the CEO and a multi-unit operator of the franchise restaurant Thorn + Root and a real estate broker and owner of First Integrity Homes.

Woerner, a moderate, has been in office since 2015 and has proven stubbornly difficult for Republicans to beat.

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