VERONA BEACH, N.Y. -- The race for Oneida County executive is growing. A former Oneida County legislator announced he will challenge the winner of the Republican Primary.

Michael Hennessey served four terms on the Oneida County Board of Legislators, and four years as the city of Sherrill commissioner. He comes into this race as a Democrat.

The Republican Primary, in June, pits incumbent Anthony Picente against David Gordon. Hennessy will face the winner in the general election in November.

The sitting county executive released a statement on the announcement saying in part:

"As county executive my record is clear. We've cut discretionary spending, increased our credit ratings multiple times, held the line on county property taxes for six years in a row, invested in essential infrastructure all while outlining a positive vision for this community to move forward. Running a county government with a $400 million budget day in, day out is firsthand experience hard to duplicate anywhere else."

Hennessey says it's time for a change.