CCDC CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
for 2026
Below are the results of the Columbia County Democratic Committee’s endorsement meeting on February 26, 2026:
Congratulations to our endorsed candidates!
We are deeply grateful to every candidate who stepped forward and to everyone who participated in the process. These conversations, even when spirited, reflect our shared commitment to electing Democrats who share our values and will serve our communities with integrity.
Now, our focus turns to organizing, petitioning, and building the coordinated effort necessary to win in November.
Midterm Elections Coming Up!
2026 General Election: November 3
Are you ready to vote? Check out all the information you need to register, find your voting place and everything else on our Elections Page.
Josh Riley for Congress
Joshrileyforcongress.com
Riley reacts to violence by ICE
Congressman Riley called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to be impeached after two U.S. residents were shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis during protests against ICE’s immigration crackdown. “You don’t get to oversee masked agents gun down Americans in the streets, tear-gas babies, and trample the Constitution and then keep your job,” he said on Bluesky.
Riley added that he voted to block additional ICE funding, demanded a complete and transparent investigation into the shootings, and is fighting to have federal agents remove their masks. “There must be accountability,” Riley said. “We want an immigration system that’s tough and fair,” but “terrorizing families isn’t who we are and it doesn’t make us safer, and I won’t support it.”
More reactions to MN Killings
State Senator Michelle Hinchey
Senator Hinchey also spoke out about violence involving ICE agents. “No matter if it’s Minnesota, Maine, Illinois, or any community across this country, a tyrannical federal government cannot be left unchecked,” she said on Facebook. “We will not stand idly by while government agents trample our constitutional rights and purport a false mission of safety while acting violently and unlawfully.” She added, “This is not about immigration. It’s not about public safety. It’s about complete and utter control through violence and intimidation. That is authoritarianism.”
Assemblymember Didi Barrett
Assemblymember Barrett reacted to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse, by federal agents in Minneapolis in a Facebook post. “I stand with Minneapolis,” she wrote. “The violence and lies must end! The truth will out!”
VOTE TODAY! Tuesday, May 19
School Budget Votes & School Board Elections
GET OUT AND VOTE | YOUR VOTE MATTERS
Visit your school district's website below for specific details.
Keep scrolling to visit your school district's website for specific information on when, where, and how to vote, as well as information about the school budget, any propositions, and candidates running for School Board.
Chatham Central School District 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Mary E. Dardess Elementary School Gymnasium
Election information here Budget information here
Germantown Central School District 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Elementary School Gymnasium
Election information here
Hudson City School District 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
District 1: City of Hudson – Hudson Central Fire Station (new location)
District 2: Greenport, Stottville/Stockport, Ghent – Greenport Community Center
District 3: Claverack, Livingston, Taghkanic – A.B. Shaw Fire House
Voting information here Budget information here
Candidate information here
Ichabod Crane School District 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
High School Gymnasium
Voting and election information here
Candidate information here Budget information here
New Lebanon School District 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Walter B. Howard Elementary School
Election information here Budget information here
Pine Plains Central School District 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Stissing Mountain Junior/Senior High School
Election information here
Red Hook Central School District 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Mill Road Elementary School's 3-5 Cafeteria
Election information here
Taconic Hills School District 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Veterans Community Room Election information here
Budget, propositions, and candidate information here
Note: Ilze Earner is running as a write-in candidate.
The Village of Chatham had elections on March 18, 2026.
See Elections page for certified results
For CCDC Members:
Don’t forget your Annual Membership Dues
Please support CCDC!
Members are asked to pay their annual $50 dues.
Please submit your dues now!
THANK YOU!
CCDC Adopts Housing Plan
Submitted by Issues Committee
The plan notes that all 23 municipalities in the County hold approvals by the New York State Pro-Housing Community Program (see hcr.ny.gov/phc). To maintain that status, specific documented increases in housing stock are required. The plan recommends that municipalities, individually or in collaboration, form housing committees made up of board members and residents.These housing committees would then need to develop action plans with specific recommendations, estimated costs and potential financing sources, all to be adopted by the municipalities’ elected officers. The Housing Plan was approved by CCDC on February 26, 2026. The full plan is available for download.
ASSEMBLY CANDIDATES FORUM
On February 17, CCDC hosted an Assembly Candidates Forum, moderated by Abbie Hodgson, CCDC Co-Chair. Candidates participating included Assemblymember Didi Barrett and Sam Hodge running in AD106 and Chloe Pierce running in AD107. Please click the image below to watch the forum.
GET INVOLVED!
Learn more about the Columbia County Democrats
Sign up to join a standing committee
Check our Calendar page for upcoming events and volunteer opportunities
CCDC Social Media Team—The CCDC is looking for someone to help step up our social media game. If that is you, email info@columbiacountydemocrats.org to learn more!
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