Matthew Hamilton recently reported for the Times Union on the number of potential candidates looking to run for Assembly seats in both the 102nd and 107th districts to replace Republicans Pete Lopez and Steve McLaughlin. Republican Kandi Terry, a former Senate staffer from East Greenbush who now works as regulatory and government affairs manager for Just Energy, confirmed that she is exploring a run to fill the seat formerly held by McLaughlin. The 107th covers most of Rensselaer County and parts of Washington and Columbia counties. Rensselaer County Legislator Jake Ashby of Castleton and Troy City Council President Carmella Mantello both said they have been approached about running. Among Democrats, Rensselaer County Legislator Cynthia Doran of Troy said people have asked her about a bid, but has not made a decision. Similarly, Michael Hickey, the Hoosick Falls resident who raised the alarm about water contamination in the village, said he is thinking about it, but has not made a decision. Likewise, former Troy City Council President Rodney Wiltshire said he also has thought about running. Among Republicans in the 102nd, the seven-county district that includes parts or all of Schoharie, Albany, Columbia and Greene counties, Town of Schoharie Supervisor and county GOP Chairman Chris Tague and former Ulster County Legislature candidate Santos Lopez are vying for the nomination. Virginia Martin, Columbia County Board of Elections Democrat Commissioner, said the governor has not called a special election yet and he can wait until next November, leaving the seats vacant until January 2019. If he does call a special election he is likely to select the date for an election already scheduled, such as the school budget and board of education election in May, or the June federal primary. Read the full story in The Columbia Paper.