SYRACUSE -- Former New York State Fair Director Peter Cappuccilli (kap-uh-SIL'-ee) says he is running for the congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. James Walsh.

Cappuccilli is the first Republican candidate to enter the race for the state's 25th Congressional District.

Walsh announced last month that he would not seek re-election after 10 terms in Congress.

Walsh was nearly upset in the last election by Democrat Dan Maffei, a former congressional aide who is running again.

This is Cappuccilli's first attempted at elected office. Under his leadership, the New York State Fair topped the million-mark in attendance the only time in its history. He stepped down in October 2005.