politics

Democrats notch strong gains across northeast Dutchess County

Democrats notch strong gains across northeast Dutchess County

Chris Drago

Photo Provided

Democrats scored significant gains across northeast Dutchess County in the Nov. 4 municipal elections, strengthening their position in multiple towns, winning competitive board seats, and capturing a key county legislative district. The results reflected a strong showing for the party across the region.

Dutchess County Legislator Chris Drago, D-19, who was reelected to his district that includes North East, Pine Plains and Stanford, said the outcome demonstrates a shift in voter engagement and a renewed focus on local races. He said national politics also played a role.

“The federal political environment woke up a lot of people,” Drago said, citing the recent government shutdown and his belief that residents are unhappy with how President Donald Trump is governing.

He also said Democrats are doing a better job reaching out to voters on a local level. “We’ve been speaking about the importance of local elections for years, and the message resonated.”

Drago added that Democrats traditionally face challenges in off-year elections without federal races on the ballot, but he said stronger organizing changed the picture this cycle.

“In odd years, it takes some work — and we’re doing a better job,” he said. “We’ve been able to identify good candidates, raise more money and knock on more doors. Democrats haven’t always turned out in off-years, but we’re seeing a trickle-up effect.”

Amenia: Democrats expand representation

Amenia continued to show strong support for Democratic candidates. Rosanna Hamm won the supervisor’s race decisively, defeating Republican Terrence McCauley 686 to 402 and keeping the office in Democratic hands.

Democrats also strengthened their presence on the Town Board. Walter Dietrich won one of the two full-term seats, while Vicki Doyle won the remaining year of an unexpired term. Republican Nicole Ahearn secured the second full-term seat.

Amenia voters additionally rejected Local Proposition No. 2, opting 560 to 515 to keep the town’s ban on retail cannabis sales.

Washington: Democrats take both board seats

In Washington, Democrats Maxine Verne and Susan Mancuso won the two Town Council seats, defeating Republicans Nicholas Galente and Douglas Giles. Supervisor Gary Ciferri, a Republican, remained in office after running unopposed.

Pine Plains: Democrats win board seats

Pine Plains delivered notable gains for Democrats as Trevor Roush and Murphy Birdsall won Town Council seats. The supervisor’s race moved to a recount, with Republican Brian Walsh, the incumbent, holding a nine-vote lead over Democrat Kevin Walsh.

North East: Mixed-party slate elected

North East saw no competitive races, with incumbent Republican Chris Mayville and Democrat Rachele Grieco Cole elected to two-year Town Council terms without opposition. Incumbent Town Supervisor Chris Kennan (D) also ran unopposed.

Stanford: Strong Democratic performance

Stanford saw one of the strongest Democratic performances in the region. Julia Descouteaux won the supervisor’s race, and Democrats Teddy Secor and Charlie Cunningham won both Town Council seats.

County results: Democrats hold key seats and flip District 25

Democrats also performed strongly at the county level. Drago secured re-election in District 19, defending a seat Republicans had targeted and winning by a much greater margin than two years ago.

The most significant county-level shift came in District 25, where Democrat Eric Alexander narrowly defeated incumbent Republican Deirdre Houston, flipping one of the most competitive legislative districts in Dutchess County. The district covers Amenia, Washington and Pleasant Valley.

Alexander credited the victory to organization.

“I benefited from a strong team, and we worked with Democrats in all of the towns,” Alexander said.

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