NEWS
NEWS
This bill will enact a one-year moratorium on new data centers in New York State, create a new utility rate class for large energy users like data centers, require data centers to use predominantly renewable energy, offer robust host community benefits, and ensure strong labor protections.
The bill now goes to Governor Kathy Hochul for signature, and if signed into law, will put New York State at the forefront of regulating data centers and artificial intelligence.
All said and done, Didi passed 18 bills in the Assembly this year! This legislation helps lower utility costs, expands small-scale distributed solar, protects residents of manufactured homes, requires background checks for businesses that cater to children, and promotes Lyme disease education.
CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS for 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.
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 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.