Press Releases
Read the latest press releases from Delaware County Democrats.
Delaware County Democrats Endorse Pat Ryan – Special Election Remainder of Current NY19 Term
Special thanks to our neighbor Dems in Rochester.
They put together a clear set of reasons why we need to vote for Pat Ryan…
NOW (early voting) or on August 23 latest!
—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Delaware County Democratic Committee
Contact: Kathleen Hayek
Phone: 347 564 5288
Email: chair@dcnydems.org
The Delaware County Democratic Committee endorses Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan as the proven leader to finish Lt. Governor Delgado’s term in Congress. They urge all voters to vote for Pat in the Special Election on August 23, 2022.
Delaware County, NY: Democratic Town Committee Chairs and members from across Delaware County NY enthusiastically endorse Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan as the candidate best able to fill the remainder of Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado’s term in Congress. Ryan will face Republican Marc Molinaro, Dutchess County Executive, in the CD19 Special Election scheduled for August 23rd.
Kathleen Hayek, Chair of the Delaware County Democrats states, “Pat was a frontrunner in the CD19 primary elections of 2018, and has maintained relationships established within the district ever since. We consider ourselves fortunate that such a highly qualified, and proven public servant as our friend, Pat Ryan, has decided to run in the Special Election to complete Delgado’s term in the “old” CD19. We will enthusiastically do all we can to get out the Delaware County vote for him.”
“We’ve got plenty of career politicians in Washington; what we need more of are leaders who’ve actually laid it on the line for our country — served in combat, built a business, united people during tough times. Today, I’m proud to be nominated to run in the special election to fill the remainder of Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado’s term,” said Pat Ryan. “Upstate New Yorkers are tough, but we’ve had a hell of a few years. 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.”
“Pat Ryan is an incredible leader who always puts his country and community before politics. From serving in Iraq to leading Ulster County during the pandemic, Pat knows that delivering results is what truly matters. I’m honored to support him in the special election,” said Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado.
“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,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.
“I’ve worked with Pat Ryan for years — he is a dedicated public servant who, after serving our country in Iraq, returned home, started a small business, and led Ulster through the pandemic as county executive. I can think of no better successor to Rep. Antonio Delgado than Pat, and I look forward to working together to win this special election,” said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, DCCC Chairman.
“As our County Executive, Pat Ryan has proven to be extraordinarily well equipped to lead in a crisis, and he’s exactly the kind of leader we need representing us in Congress right now,” said Kelleigh McKenzie, Chair of the Ulster County Democratic Committee.
A fifth-generation Ulster County resident and West Point graduate who served two combat tours in Iraq as an Army intelligence officer, Pat Ryan was first elected to lead Ulster County at a Special Election in April, 2019 and went on to win a landslide victory in the General Election later that year. Prior to serving as County Executive, he founded a small technology company, which he grew to over 150 employees.
______________________
NOTE: Newly drawn congressional district maps will take effect on January 1, 2023, and Pat Ryan will run to serve in the 2023-24 Congress in the new CD18, which overlaps with the current CD19 and includes part of Ulster and Dutchess Counties, and all of Orange County.
WHO WILL BE ON THE BALLOT FOR NY19 NEXT TERM?
Registered Democratic voters in Delaware County will decide — in a primary election also on August 23rd. It will be a separate ballot. Voters will chose between candidates JOSH RILEY and JAMIE CHENEY.
Dems Nominate Pat Ryan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 14, 2022
Delaware County Democratic Committee
Contact: Kathleen Hayek
Phone: 347 564 5288
Email: chair@dcnydems.org
Democrats Nominate Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan for Special Election. County Chairs choose proven leader to finish Lt. Governor Delgado’s term in Congress.
Delaware County, NY: On June 9, 2022, Democratic Committee Chairs from across the current 19th Congressional District (CD19) unanimously chose Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan as the Democratic Nominee to run in the August 23rd Special Election to fill the remainder of Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado’s term in Congress, which concludes on December 31, 2022. Under Election Law and Party rules, the task of selecting the nominee in a Special Election is delegated to the County Chairs. The current CD19 includes all of Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties, and parts of Dutchess, Montgomery, Rensselaer, and Schoharie Counties.
Kathleen Hayek, Chair of the Delaware County Democrats states, “Pat was a frontrunner in the CD19 primary elections of 2018, and has maintained relationships established within the district ever since. We consider ourselves fortunate that such a highly qualified, and proven public servant as our friend, Pat Ryan, has decided to run in the Special Election to complete Delgado’s term in the “old” CD19. We will enthusiastically do all we can to get out the Delaware County vote for him.”
“We’ve got plenty of career politicians in Washington; what we need more of are leaders who’ve actually laid it on the line for our country — served in combat, built a business, united people during tough times. Today, I’m proud to be nominated to run in the special election to fill the remainder of Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado’s term,” said Pat Ryan. “Upstate New Yorkers are tough, but we’ve had a hell of a few years. 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.”
“Pat Ryan is an incredible leader who always puts his country and community before politics. From serving in Iraq to leading Ulster County during the pandemic, Pat knows that delivering results is what truly matters. I’m honored to support him in the special election,” said Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado.
“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,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.
“I’ve worked with Pat Ryan for years — he is a dedicated public servant who, after serving our country in Iraq, returned home, started a small business, and led Ulster through the pandemic as county executive. I can think of no better successor to Rep. Antonio Delgado than Pat, and I look forward to working together to win this special election,” said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, DCCC Chairman.
“As our County Executive, Pat Ryan has proven to be extraordinarily well equipped to lead in a crisis, and he’s exactly the kind of leader we need representing us in Congress right now,” said Kelleigh McKenzie, Chair of the Ulster County Democratic Committee.
“Immediately upon taking office as County Executive, Pat Ryan rolled up his sleeves and implemented a county-level green new deal that showed it was possible to address climate change while growing the economy,” Dutchess County Democratic Chair Julie Shiroishi said. “During the pandemic he demonstrated real leadership and acted quickly to help struggling residents. Pat Ryan is the perfect choice to fill the remainder of Lt. Governor Delago’s term and represent CD-19 in Congress.”
“Pat Ryan is a proven leader,” said Sam Hodge, Chair of the Columbia County Democrats. “In Ulster County, Pat has led an economic renaissance. Under his leadership, Ulster has made historic investments in affordable housing, mental health services and implemented meaningful policies to tackle the opioid epidemic. Simply put, he finds solutions and gets the job done.”
“Pat Ryan is a dedicated public servant who has served his country and his community,” Otsego County Democratic Chair Caitlin Ogden. “As Ulster County Executive, he has made smart investments that have improved services while saving taxpayer dollars. He will do an excellent job building upon the work of Antonio Delgado. Our communities will be fortunate to have him representing us in Congress.”
“Pat Ryan has the experience and character that we need in Congress,” Sullivan County Democratic Chair Anne Hart said. “This devoted and successful public servant is the right choice to represent our communities.”
“Pat Ryan is a proven leader with a track record of success,” Rensselaer County Democratic Chair Michael Monescalchi said. “From his time serving our nation as a combat veteran to holding the line on taxes as Ulster County Executive, Pat Ryan is the exact type of person that our nation needs at this defining moment.”
“Pat Ryan is the leader we need,” said Greene County Democratic Chair, Lori Torgersen. “As a small businessperson, he honed the skills to troubleshoot challenges and obstacles where the buck stops with him. In the military, he demonstrated perseverance, character and courage. And as County Executive, he has improved the lives of his constituents through smart and cost-effective decision making. Pat Ryan possesses the rare combination of skill, integrity and experience we need in Congress.
A fifth-generation Ulster County resident and West Point graduate who served two combat tours in Iraq as an Army intelligence officer, Pat Ryan was first elected to lead Ulster County at a Special Election in April, 2019 and went on to win a landslide victory in the General Election later that year. Prior to serving as County Executive, he founded a small technology company, which he grew to over 150 employees.
Ryan will face Republican Marc Molinaro, Dutchess County Executive, in the CD19 Special Election scheduled for August 23rd. Newly drawn congressional district maps will take effect on January 1, 2023, and Pat Ryan will run to serve in the 2023-24 Congress in the new CD18, which overlaps with the current CD19 and includes part of Ulster and Dutchess Counties, and all of Orange County.
Thank You — from Rep. Delgado
Dear Neighbor,
I want to start this message by acknowledging the heartbreaking shooting at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. My prayers are with the parents, loved ones, fellow students, teachers, and every single person affected by the horrific killing. Our children and our communities should feel safe when entering schools, grocery stores, movie theaters, and places of worship. It is time for change now.
As today will be my last day representing you in Congress, I wanted to share a portion of my final statement to the House of Representatives. I am so honored to have had the privilege of representing you and fighting for the people of New York’s 19th District. Please find a reflection on my time in Congress below:
“Madam Speaker,
As I rise today for the last time as a member of the 117th Congress, I must begin by thanking the people of New York’s 19th Congressional District.
Thank you for trusting me to represent you in Washington. Thank you for every phone call you have placed to my office. Thank you for the hundreds of thousands of letters and emails you have sent to me. Thank you for coming to my town halls, and for scheduling meetings with me and my staff. Democracy is a two-way street, and your passionate engagement has helped me to be a more effective representative.
I would also like to thank Lacey, my wife and the love of my life, who has sacrificed so much since I decided to run for Congress more than four years ago. I want to thank Maxwell and Coltrane, my two sons, who drive my desire for positive change day in and day out.
I first addressed this chamber in January of 2019. The longest government shutdown in our nation’s history had just ended, and I spoke about the need for Congress to live up to its charter as outlined in Article I. I said that Democrats and Republicans must work together to shoulder the sacred responsibilities entrusted to us by voters—and that we all must pledge to cast partisanship aside and be good stewards of the republic that we inherited from the generations that came before us.
Congress has done important work in the years since I gave that speech. We passed a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure; we outlawed surprise medical billing; we delivered pandemic relief that helped America recover better economically than any of its peer nations. All in all, 18 of my bills were signed into law under two presidents—bills to provide emergency pandemic funding to municipalities of all sizes, to support underserved veterans, to provide loan forgiveness to small businesses, to protect family farms. I am proud of this record.
Over the past few years, I have tried to build a brand of politics that puts people before partisanship. I have made decisions based not on whether an idea comes from the right or left, but whether that idea is right or wrong. I fought tirelessly for those I represent; I listened to others before speaking; and I treated all people with love and respect.
Building a political movement based on love, respect, and humility will be the work I carry on in the years to come. The Capitol—this chamber—is hallowed ground. I hope and pray that Congress will once again become a place where representatives from every corner of this great country gather together not to emphasize their differences and use them for political gain, but to hash those differences out for the good of the people.
Madam Speaker, representing New York’s 19th District in Congress has been the greatest honor and it is with a hopeful heart that I close out my time in Congress and begin the next chapter. Thank you to the residents of upstate New York for your love and support and to all who have been on this journey with me.”
Although this will be my last message to you all as your Congressman, I want to assure you that the Office of New York’s 19th Congressional District will work to ensure a smooth transition and continue helping constituents in any way they can. Thank you again for everything.
Sincerely,
Antonio
Local Democratic Candidates in the News
Read full Walton Reporter articles on:
Eric Ball, Nicholas Chase and Andrew Van Buren.
Click each image to view the full article:
NYS Comptroller Prohibits New Russian Investments…
NYS Comptroller DiNapoli Prohibits New Russian Investments and Directs Investment Review
March 1, 2022
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli has directed staff to prohibit all new investments in Russian companies and to review the New York State Common Retirement Fund’s (Fund) current investments and assess whether they present financial risks that warrant further restrictions or divestment. He is also reaching out to the Fund’s investment managers to urge them to conduct a similar examination to mitigate investment risk and minimize market impact.
“Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine has led to unprecedented sanctions against Russian companies and individuals,” DiNapoli said. “While American sanctions already prohibit investments in many Russian companies, I believe it is prudent to freeze purchases in all Russian companies due to the situation’s unpredictability and the likelihood that conditions will deteriorate. This will ensure that the Fund does not increase its minimal exposure to the Russian economy while completing its divestment review, consistent with my fiduciary duty.
“This crisis has underscored major political and investment risks relating to President Putin’s unhinged, tyrannical foreign policy, leading to sanctions that have significantly hobbled Russia’s already weak economic growth. Russia’s currency has plummeted in just days since sanctions have been instituted. We will continue to monitor these changing events. New York stands with the Ukrainan people. We hope for a peaceful resolution.”
The Fund estimates it has $110.8 million in public equity investments including direct holdings and co-mingled funds in Russian companies.
About the New York State Common Retirement Fund
The New York State Common Retirement Fund is one of the largest public pension funds in the United States. The Fund holds and invests the assets of the New York State and Local Retirement System on behalf of more than one million state and local government employees and retirees and their beneficiaries. The Fund has consistently been ranked as one of the best managed and best funded plans in the nation. The Fund’s fiscal year ends March 31. Its quarterly value as of Dec. 31, 2021 was $279.7 billion.
Statement by our DCDC Chair regarding the Board of Supervisors ending its relationship with the Chamber of Commerce.
Letter to the Editor from Kathleen Hayek
Speaking on behalf of the Delaware County Democratic Committee
This appeared in The Reporter on December 1, 2021
and was also sent to the Mountain Eagle
“Since the early 1960s, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has been the county’s tourism promotion agency. At the November 23 meeting of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, members voted 14-3 to remove that function from the chamber and “temporarily” turn promoting tourism over to the Delaware County Economic Development department, which has minimal experience with tourism.
One reason given was an audit of the Chamber’s tourism funds, but that was not a primary reason—the primary reason was political. Middletown Town Supervisor Patrick Davis said that his reason was “personal” because chamber board president Todd Pascarella ran against him. Chamber Program Manager Lillian Browne-Burdick also ran for Walton Supervisor against Joseph Cetta, who said he was voting no because he didn’t like the recent management of the Chamber. In addition, the Chamber’s support of legal cannabis sales led Harpersfield Supervisor James Eisel to claim that the Chamber has become too “political.”
In fact, what is too “political” is the Supervisors’ blatant retribution to the chamber members’ running against incumbent (Republican) officials. Chamber members have the right to run for office, just like any citizen of Delaware County. The Chamber has the right to have an opinion and promote a legal business. The county’s action regarding the Chamber is the latest in a long history of pure political retribution and abuse of power by county supervisors in the Republican Party. It sets a precedent that candidates for public office may not belong to public service organizations or contradict the current board, which is absurd and will prevent community-minded individuals from running.
Ending a 60-year relationship with the Chamber, whose very mission is to promote business and tourism in Delaware County, with clearly no plan for replacement, is also an insensitive and costly affront to our business community. As residents of Delaware County, we, the Democratic Committee of Delaware County, encourage the Board of Supervisors to correct this absurdity by putting personal politics aside with an immediate re-vote on this issue.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Hayek, Chair
Delaware County Democratic Committee”
Statement of the Delaware County Democratic Committee regarding cannabis sales and consumption venues/facilities
Register to Vote!
Registering to vote is simple and takes less than five minutes to complete! At Rock the Vote you’ll find everything you need to know about how to register and how to vote in NY State. You can also contact the Delaware County Board of Elections!