By: Molly Darrow | FOX 40 WICZ-TV Binghamton

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – Will there be a new independent party line in the race for the 22nd Congressional District seat?

On Thursday, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Binghamton, entrepreneur Martin Babinec announced the creation of the Upstate Jobs Party.

Through the party, Babinec says he plans to shine a spotlight on what he calls job-killing regulations.  He says an example of this is legislation to raise the minimum wage to a level Babinec believes would hurt small businesses and take away job opportunities.

Babinec feels that what he refers to as fair market capitalism could help create jobs by putting startups and small businesses as the focus for policy priorities and region-wide collaboration.

“My goal is to make it easier for those people who have aspirations of growing and starting companies to get connected to those who can help them.  To also be in an environment where the regulatory side is supportive of it.  And helping them find paths to get the capital they need to grow these businesses,” said Babinec.

Babinec says the party’s petition process will start June 21st. The party needs to gather at least 3,500 signatures of registered voters, of any party or no party, who have not signed another congressional petition this election cycle.

For more information on Martin Babinec, click here. For more information on the Upstate Jobs Party, click here.