NEWS
NEWS
HUDSON CAMPAIGN OFFICE OPENS!
You're invited to visit and canvass with us!
The New York State Democratic Party opened a campaign office in Hudson on July 25 to support our candidates in the November election, including our congressman, Rep. Josh Riley, state Senator Michelle Hinchey, Assemblymember Didi Barrett, Assembly candidate Chloe Pierce, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul.
Please visit the office at 227 Warren Street in Hudson, between Second and Third Streets. You can pick up yard signs to promote our candidates and sign up to go door to door to canvass for them.
Sign up to volunteer here: https://www.mobilize.us/nydems2026/event/986524/
Contact Victoria Seipp if you have any questions at seipp@nydems.org.
Photos by Marcy Feld Photography.
CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS 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.
CCDC Approves New Issues Committee Reports
PREAMBLE:
On September 22, 2026, the CCDC approved this another Issues Committee report, combined with two others approved in August: (1) A proposal for making more housing that is affordable, (2) an update on healthcare in response to the budget passed by Republicans and (3) a summary of the latest report on the status of affordability in New York and Columbia County.
These reports are interrelated. None of the problems can be fully addressed without addressing all of them. We include recommendations for increasing state and local income, assuming funds from the federal government will not be reliably forthcoming. We must interrupt the cycle of economic decline we are in and develop solutions to the problems of housing, healthcare and overall affordability. We offer suggestions. Some may work, some may not. But we must try, and if something does not work, we must replace it with another idea.
Read full Preamble
Click the link below to see the summaries and full reports from the Issues Committee
CCDC’s Annual Picnic Draws Enthusiastic Crowd
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.
Carl Atkins Honored with Blue Boots Award
At its 2026 annual picnic the Columbia County Dems honored Carl Atkins with its annual Blue Boots Award to recognize his dedication, leadership, and service to Democrats across Columbia County.
Atkins is chair of the CCDC Issues Committee, which plays a pivotal role in helping voters and elected officials better understand issues affecting Columbia County and its residents. “Carl represents the very best of our organization — someone who gives his time, expertise, and energy because he cares deeply about his community,” said CCDC Co-Chair Abbie Hodgson.
Thank You Volunteers!
We are so grateful for all teh volunteers who staffed the CCDC booth at the Columbia County Fair 2026! Thank you for your time and dedication!
EIGHTH ANNUAL BLUE WAVE BRUNCH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2026
COLUMBIA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
Nearly 200 Attend Columbia County Democrats’ Annual Blue Wave Brunch
Event Featured Lt. Governor Candidate Adrienne Adams, Congressman Josh Riley, and Local Candidates Ahead of 2026 Elections
HILLSDALE, N.Y. -- Nearly 200 supporters, elected officials, candidates, and community leaders turned out Sunday, May 17, for the Eighth Annual Blue Wave Brunch, the flagship fundraising event of the Columbia County Democratic Committee (CCDC).
The event featured remarks from Lt. Governor candidate Adrienne Adams, Congressman Josh Riley, state Senator Michelle Hinchey, Assemblymember Didi Barrett, Assembly candidate Chloe Pierce, and Columbia County Sheriff Jackie Salvatore, with musical guest Tony Kieraldo.
Held at Catamount Mountain Resort, the Blue Wave Brunch raised funds to support Democratic candidates, local organizing, and party infrastructure across Columbia County ahead of the 2026 elections. The event brought together elected officials, local Democratic leaders, volunteers, and community organizers from across the region. The event highlighted continued Democratic organizing strength in Columbia County as local and statewide campaigns ramp up ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
“We had another successful Blue Wave Brunch thanks to our speakers, volunteers, and our fundraising committee,” said Claire Ackerman, Event Chair & CCDC First Vice Chair. Mike Dvorchak, CCDC Co-Chair, added, “The excitement was palpable for November. We are ready to get out the vote and deliver a blue wave at the ballot box.” Added CCDC Co-Chair Abbie Hodgson, “It is a privilege to live in a community that is now predominantly represented by Democrats. But we must continue protecting the progress we’ve made while building an even stronger foundation for the future.”
At the brunch, Adams spoke about the need for Democratic leadership in response to ongoing political divisions and attacks on working families, stating, “As we gather here today, New York is under constant attack from Donald Trump and MAGA extremists” who “instead of delivering for working people, are trying to divide us.”
Riley emphasized the importance of Democrats reclaiming control of the House of Representatives in November, stating, “The stakes are high and the battlefield is right here in Columbia County.” He also highlighted his work on lowering utility costs, protecting abortion rights, and supporting ethics reforms in Congress.
Additionally, Hinchey discussed efforts at the state level to expand food assistance, increase workforce housing, and invest in alternative energy, while emphasizing the historic opportunity to elect two women to New York’s highest statewide offices. Barrett thanked the Columbia County Democratic Committee for its endorsement and highlighted her work on affordability, child care,
reproductive rights, and democracy protections. Pierce emphasized the importance of the 2026 election and the need for continued Democratic organizing locally and nationally.
The Columbia County Democratic Committee is dedicated to promoting Democratic principles, supporting candidates, and fostering community engagement throughout Columbia County. For more information, visit columbiacountydemocrats.org.
Front row, left to right: Claire Ackerman, Event Chair & CCDC First Vice Chair; Joe Ferris, Hudson Mayor; Adrienne Adams, Lt. Governor candidate; Jackie Salvatore, Columbia County Sheriff; Victoria Seipp, CCDC Second Vice Chair
Back row, left to right: Abbie Hodgson, CCDC Co-Chair; Chloe Pierce, Assembly candidate (AD107); Mike Dvorchak, Hillsdale Town Supervisor & CCDC Co-Chair; Josh Riley, U.S. Congressman (NY19); Chris Liberati-Conant, Columbia County District Attorney
Photo credit: Steven Taylor
Left to right: Tara Silberberg, Gallatin Town Supervisor; Mike Dvorchak, Hillsdale Town Supervisor & CCDC Co-Chair; Adrienne Adams, Lt. Governor candidate; Tistrya Houghtling, New Lebanon Town Supervisor & Board of Supervisors Minority Leader; Richard Wolf, Copake Town Supervisor
Photo credit: Marcy Feld Photography
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. Click below for the full plan PDF.
CCDC Adopts Housing Plan
Midterm Elections Are Here!
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.