MONTICELLO — With Election Day scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, fast approaching, the Sullivan County Democratic Committee is urging supporters to rally behind candidates up and down the ballot, with officials and speakers alike at its annual gathering emphasizing local races and the concerns of rural communities as important issues in the months ahead.

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Congressman Josh Riley, State Senate NY-51 Candidate Michele Frazier and Assemblymember Paula Kay were among those who gathered Sunday morning at Resorts World Catskills for the committee’s annual Jeffersonian Brunch. They were also joined by local candidates, including Highland Supervisor John Pizzolato, who is facing Mary Ellen Carney; Fallsburg Supervisor Nathan Steingart, who is unopposed; and Mamakating Councilman Matt Mordas, who is facing Dino Orfanos.

Sullivan County Democratic Committee Chairman Steve Vegliante stressed the importance of local elections, noting that races for town and county offices can also influence turnout in state and federal contests.

Vegliante urged supporters to continue reaching voters in their own communities, describing local organizing as part of the committee’s broader election efforts.

Representing New York’s 19th Congressional District, Riley is facing state Sen. Peter Oberacker, who is running for Congress. Riley called for unity within the Democratic Party, acknowledging that members will not always agree on every issue but saying those differences should not prevent them from working toward common goals.

“We don’t have to be unanimous about everything. And frankly, we shouldn’t be,” Riley said.

Riley also discussed the economic challenges facing working families in upstate New York, arguing that political debate should focus on residents’ ability to make ends meet rather than symbolic disputes in Washington. He criticized the focus of national political debates and said more attention should be paid to the financial pressures facing Americans.

“This is not about whose name is on the Kennedy Center. It’s not about whose face is on the currency. It’s about upstate workers who are struggling to get by in an economy that has been rigged against them,” stated Riley.

He also called for greater access to health care, asserting that “healthcare should be a civil right in the United States of America.”

Kay, an incumbent representing Assembly District 100, is running unopposed on the Democratic and People Over Politics lines. She discussed the role of local government, describing municipal officials as people residents often turn to first when they need assistance. She encouraged candidates and volunteers to remain in contact with voters while highlighting challenges facing rural communities, including access to hospitals, health care and mental health services.

Frazier, who is running for the open state Senate seat in District 51 against Assemblymember Chris Tague, described the race as an opportunity to bring greater attention to communities across the district. The seat is open as Oberacker runs against Riley for the District 19 position.

Frazier said her campaign is focused on “housing, healthcare, and a fair share for our rural communities.”

She recounted a recent conversation with a Claryville resident who told her, “We don’t matter.” Responding to and disagreeing with that sentiment, Frazier said she intends to continue advocating for rural residents and their representation in state government.

“I actually think we matter, and not only do we matter, I’m not giving up the fight for us to matter,” Frazier said, urging supporters to continue knocking on doors and speaking with voters.

DiNapoli, the incumbent state comptroller seeking another term against Republican challenger Joseph Hernandez, was the event’s keynote speaker. He urged Democrats not to become complacent ahead of Election Day, emphasizing continued organizing and party unity. He cautioned that failing to mobilize supporters could affect election results.

Speakers throughout the event discussed health care access, economic pressures and the concerns of rural communities while encouraging supporters to remain active through Election Day on November 3.