Special election Tuesday for NY-19

REGION — The special election that will determine who will lead New York’s 19th congressional district for the rest of the year takes place Tuesday, August 23. 

In one of the first tests of the 2022 midterm elections, Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro are competing to fill the vacancy created when former Representative Antonio Delgado stepped down to become New York’s Lieutenant Governor. 

The winner will serve until December 31.

Early voting already began last Saturday and continues this weekend at the Sullivan County Government Center at 100 North Street in Monticello. Those who wish to vote early can still do so today, Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Check your local polling location for voting on Aug. 23

Ryan, running on the Democratic Party line, is currently serving his first term as Ulster County Executive. A graduate of Kingston High School, Ryan later attended West Point and served two combat tours in Iraq as an Army intelligence officer. After serving in the military, Ryan co-founded a tech company that grew eventually to over 150 employees.

“We’ve got plenty of career politicians in Washington. What we are missing are real leaders. Leaders who have put their lives on the line for their country, started small businesses and leaders who deliver. That’s who I am. I’m running to deliver for you,” Ryan said on Wednesday. 

Molinaro was first elected to public office when he was 18-years old in 1994, serving on the Village of Tivoli Board of Trustees. He was elected village mayor a year later, becoming the youngest mayor in America and was reelected five times. 

Molinaro later served on the Dutchess County Legislature and represented the 103rd District in the New York State Assembly. As Dutchess County Executive, Molinaro serves as Second Vice President for the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC). 

“People are upset, anxious and fearful about the cost of living and crime in their communities and making sure their kids get an education and job opportunities,” said Molinaro on Wednesday. “We’re going to send a powerful message to Washington and Albany that we’re tired of being ignored.” 

Besides the special election on Tuesday, two primaries are also being held to determine candidates for November’s general election. 

As previously reported in the Democrat, Jamie Cheney and Josh Riley are facing off in the Democratic Primary for New York’s 19th Congressional District.

On the Republican side, Terry Bernardo and Peter Oberacker are competing in the primary for New York’s 51st State Senate District. 

Currently a resident of Rock Hill, Bernardo previously resided in Accord and owned a small business. She has previously served as chairwoman of the Ulster County Legislature. 

“We were all devastated by the news that our current Senator, Mike Martucci had been redistricted out of our area and into Orange County,” said Bernardo upon announcing her campaign back in June. “Residents had become accustomed to the high level of service that they received from their Senator. I am running for this office to continue the representation and commitment that the people have come to expect.”

Oberacker, a resident of Otsego County who currently resides in the Town of Maryland, is an incumbent State Senator who was redistricted into the new 51st Senate district.

“As your Senator, I have fought to preserve the Second Amendment, sponsored legislation to repeal the dangerous bail reform, and with your support, we will continue the fight for the future of Upstate New York,” Oberacker said. “As a lifelong Conservative Republican, I have fought to uphold the Constitution, and I will continue to do so as your Conservative and Republican candidate for the 51st Senate District!”

The winner of the Republican primary will go on to face Democrat Eric Ball in the November’s general election.