Mike Bolles, a retired Binghamton firefighter-paramedic and 22-year US Army veteran, today formally announced his candidacy for the 52nd State Senate District in the 2026 election. The District is comprised of all of Cortland and Tompkins counties and parts of Broome County, setting up a challenge with Sen. Lea Webb.
“I’ve dedicated my life to helping others and showing up to fight the tough battles for our community and our country. I’m a retired US Army Veteran, retired Firefighter and small business owner of 100% American-made graphic apparel. I’m running for State Senate because our state government is in crisis and I feel called back to public service to help fix it,” said Bolles.
Mike Bolles enlisted in the US Army Delayed Entry Program at just 17 years old which began his journey in the military service. His tours of duty and assignments took him around the country and the world.
In September 2001, Mike deployed to Ground Zero with members of Binghamton Fire to assist with recovery efforts. He was so moved by what he witnessed, Mike vowed to re-enlist in the US Military, which he did in January 2007 for an additional sixteen years of service.
“After witnessing firsthand, the devastation of the September 11 terror attacks, I made the decision to return to military service. It was a sacrifice my family was willing to make to defend our safety and freedoms,” continued Bolles. “New York families are stretched thin by the mess Albany has created. We have the highest taxes in the country. We’re all paying more for less. I’ve seen enough. I’m ready to serve again to restore real affordability, back our first responders for safer streets and fight for every resident in the 52nd Senate District.”
Bolles remains deeply committed to supporting local veterans. He’s a life member of American Legion Post 1194 and VFW Post 478. Mike is also a volunteer with the Broome County Veterans Memorial Association and the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group and other local military service associations.
Mike is a Republican and lives on the Eastside of Binghamton with his wife, Jill. They have two adult children and two grandchildren. The General Election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
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Mike Bolles is a retired member of the United States Armed Forces. His appearance in uniform does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or any military branch.
More About Mike:
Outside his military service, Mike worked in the hospitality sector and completed 21 years, 11 months with the Binghamton Fire Department as a Firefighter and EMT-Paramedic, until his retirement in 2015. His time of service was marked with thousands of patients treated, countless emergency operations. Mike was also elected seven consecutive times by the members of the Binghamton Firefighters Local 729, IAFF labor union. Mike was instrumental in negotiating two multi-year labor contracts.
Bolles is a small business owner who built Triple 1st Response from the ground up in Binghamton. Specializing in bold “attitude apparel” for people who live with purpose, every garment is 100% grown, harvested, woven, dyed, cut, and stitched entirely within the United States. Bolles named the company Triple 1st Response to honor the three disciplines he has lived by: duty, courage, and immediate action.
His unwavering commitment to domestic manufacturing and American jobs reflects the values he will bring to the New York State Senate: fighting for lower taxes, less red tape, and real economic relief so families and small businesses across Senate District 52 can thrive.
