Photo: zkolra / iStock / Getty Images
A new Republican candidate has stepped into the race for New York's 22nd Congressional District after two previous GOP hopefuls dropped out. David Hollenbeck, a combat veteran, business owner, and conservative social media influencer, has announced his campaign to challenge incumbent Democratic Congressman John Mannion in the November 2026 election.
"This district needs a fighter who will not compromise," Hollenbeck said in a statement to CNY Central. "My campaign is people-powered, with strong grassroots support and a commitment to codifying conservative values: secure borders, lower taxes, energy independence, and uncompromised constitutional rights."
Hollenbeck's military background includes service in the U.S. Army with deployment to Afghanistan. After leaving the armed forces, he moved to Utica to attend college and later founded Freedom over Fear, a patriotic clothing brand. He has also built a following of more than 18,000 on TikTok as a conservative influencer.
According to his campaign website, Hollenbeck promises to "codify the President Trump agenda" with policy priorities including stopping illegal immigration, cutting middle-class taxes, ending Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion programs, lowering energy costs, protecting gun rights, and expanding school choice.
The political newcomer enters the race after Assemblyman John Lemondes and former Assemblyman John Salka both ended their campaigns for the seat. If Hollenbeck faces no primary challengers, he will go head-to-head with Mannion in November.
Mannion, who defeated Republican Brandon Williams in 2024, starts with a significant financial advantage. His campaign reported more than $1.3 million cash on hand at the end of January, while Federal Election Commission data for Hollenbeck's campaign was not yet publicly available.
New York's 22nd Congressional District encompasses all of Onondaga and Madison Counties, plus portions of Cayuga, Cortland and Oneida Counties. Election day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.