An Eltingville man officially announces his bid for an open Staten Island assembly seat.

Michael Reilly says he is running for the South Shore assembly seat and made the official announcement on Saturday in Eltingville. Assemblyman Ron Castorina triggered an open race in the 62nd assembly district after announcing he will not seek reelection because he will run to be judge of Staten Island Surrogate's Court. Reilly is the president of community education council 31 and a former NYPD Lieutenant. Councilman Joe Borelli joined Reilly to voice his support.

Reilly says he wants to focus on the opioid epidemic on the south shore and funding for education.

"A vote for Mike Reilly means that I'm going to be here as your voice, I'm going to listen to the people who live here in our district and our community. And I'm going to listen to what their concerns are, what their needs are," he said.

Staten Island native and public health advocate, Ashley Zanatta also officially entered the race for the south shore assembly seat.

The primary election will be held on September 13th.