NEW YORK —The Sullivan County Democratic Committee announced last week its nomination of Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan to fill the remainder of Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado’s congressional term, which concludes at the end of this year.

Ryan will have to win the special election being held on August 23, which is the same day as the primaries for the midterm election. Running opposite Ryan is Republican candidate, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.

“Pat Ryan has the experience and character that we need in Congress,” said Sullivan County Democratic Chair Anne Hart. “This devoted and successful public servant is the right choice to represent our communities.”

Ryan is a West Point graduate who served two tours in Iraq as an Army Intelligence Officer. After his second tour, Ryan founded a small tech company that now supports over 150 employees. Ryan has also implemented a jobs training program for veterans, to help his fellow vets earn a living in the tech industry.

Ryan has served as Ulster County Executive since 2019.

“Upstate New Yorkers are tough, but we’ve had a hell of a few years,” Ryan said. “While recovering from the pandemic, we’ve seen gas and grocery prices rise, wages remain stagnant and a coordinated attack on women’s reproductive rights. I’m running for Congress to bring the type of common-sense solutions needed to move our country forward.”

One of Ryan’s common-sense solutions is a new Crisis Stabilization Center. What was once The Kingston Professional Arts Building, will now be a center offering 24/7 aid to anyone having difficulty with their mental health or drug addiction.

The center seems to be inspired by the Dutchess County Stabilization Center which offers similar services to the county of Dutchess.

Republican candidate and Dutchess County Executive, Marc Molinaro, had this to say, "They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, and so I'm truly flattered that Ulster County has adopted so many successful programs and policies that I've enacted during my tenure as Dutchess County Executive. Most recently, my opponent announced [Ulster County] would be following our model and opening a new Mental Health Stabilization Center in Kingston. I look forward to bringing more of these modern ideas and programs to Congress after I win the special election in August."

Mental health is a major concern for both candidates, and both seem ready to find solutions to improve the lives of New Yorkers as well as our fellow Americans.

If elected, Ryan says he will prioritize women’s right to abortion. He promises to “craft an economy that works for families, not the well-connected,” and pledges to keep New York communities safe.

The congressional vacancy was created when Rep. Delgado stepped down from the 19th Congressional District to become New York State Lieutenant Governor.

Speaking of Ryan, Governor Kathy Hochul said, “With our democracy and basic rights facing unprecedented threats, we need leaders who will put their communities over partisan politics. Time and again, Pat Ryan has shown us that he is that type of leader. From his time at West Point, to serving our country in Iraq and leading Ulster County through the pandemic, Pat is someone who understands that results matter. I'm honored to support his special election to Congress.”