More than 150 Democrats and community members turned out Sept. 18 for the Columbia County Democrats’ annual picnic at the Federation of Polish Sportsmen’s Pavilion in Greenport, where they heard from our candidates about the importance of November's election. 

Assemblymember Didi Barrett, who represents the 106th District that encompasses most of Columbia County, said the number one goal is to flip the U.S. House to Democratic control, and doing so means the county’s congressman, Rep. Josh Riley, must be re-elected.

Barrett, who also is up for re-election, emphasized the need to encourage voters to turn out. She said a “blue wave” of Democratic wins will only happen if volunteers canvass door to door and otherwise engage with citizens.

Chloe Pierce, who is running for the Assembly from the 107th District, which includes northwestern  Columbia County, talked about the historic nature of her candidacy--not only would she be the first Democrat and the first woman elected to the district but also the first LGBTQ+ person elected.

The group also heard from 1199 SEIU Administrative Organizer Maureen Tomlinson, who said the proposed downsizing of Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson would degrade heath care in the region. She encouraged the group to stay formed and involved in our local hospital.