MILLERTON — Democratic incumbent Michelle Hinchey (D-41) is defending her state Senate seat against Republican challenger Pat Sheehan. The following excerpts have been edited for conciseness.
Michelle Hinchey
Democrat
Q: What is your professional background? How does that apply to the office you’re seeking?
Before running for office, I spent a decade working in the communications field within the technology and media sectors, where I managed teams, built diverse coalitions, and served as a central connector across departments. Alongside this, I stayed deeply committed to environmental advocacy, serving as a grassroots organizer for Environment New York and a member of the board of directors for the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development. These experiences prepared me to bring different voices together and find common ground on issues that can drive meaningful change.
I’ve always believed that government has a responsibility to work for the people, and since taking office, I’ve introduced over 100 bills that have brought both sides of the aisle together to make life better for Hudson Valley residents. I’ve been a State Senator who puts solutions above partisan politics, and that’s likely why over half of my bills, like those expanding cell service, healthcare, strengthening EMS, and holding utility companies accountable, have passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.
What would be your top priorities?
My top priorities are centered around fighting for what matters to our communities — housing, healthcare, emergency services and making life more affordable, including expediting the lowest middle-class tax rate in the state in 70 years.
One area I’m especially proud to champion is strengthening EMS. I’ve worked with providers to create new laws, including authorizing Medicaid to reimburse EMS for treating patients at the scene of an emergency and transporting them to other points of healthcare. We also removed restrictions that prevented ambulance services from administering life-saving blood transfusions through legislation I sponsor. In 2025, I’ll be working on more legislation to officially recognize EMS as an essential service, which would guarantee better funding and support for our providers.
I’m also leading the charge to expand universal school meals, a program that supports students and helps families save money on groceries. In Dutchess County, 70% of students are now covered, and we’re pushing to reach 100%. As Chair of the Senate Agriculture and Food Committee, I’ve delivered four of the strongest budgets for NY Agriculture, including new measures advanced this year to protect prime farmland from large-scale developments. I’m committed to fighting for the resources our communities deserve, and I look forward to continuing this work in another term.
Why are you the best person for the job?
Albany needs strong leaders from the Hudson Valley who not only understand the dire need to make life more affordable, tackle the housing crisis, and support emergency services but who also deliver real results. My time in office has proven that I’m the best advocate for this district, bringing the energy and creativity to get things done in Albany to improve life for our residents.
Expanding housing across the Hudson Valley remains critical, and I’ll continue building on the housing package I created to ensure we have access to affordable homes for people and families to rent and own. Expanding cell service through my bill, the Cellular Mapping Act, is another key goal I’ll be pushing to improve quality of life and ensure this necessity becomes a reality for all our residents.
I’m proud of my work to hold utility companies accountable and fight for measures aimed at lowering our utility bills. My bill to ban estimated billing is headed to the Governor’s desk, and we’ve already prevented utility companies from sending late bills over two months old. But there’s more work to do. I’ll be working on new legislation that pushes for stronger oversight of utilities and ensures the Public Service Commission is working in the best interest of ratepayers. I’m ready to keep delivering solutions to make life better in Northern Dutchess and across the Hudson Valley, and I hope to have that opportunity in another term.
Patrick Sheehan
Republican
What is your professional background?
I’ve dedicated my career to public service, with experience as a volunteer firefighter, Fire Commissioner and former prosecutor. I worked as Director of Business Development for the Ulster County Development Corporation, and have a strong background in economic development. I am a local realtor and a small business owner, and have been a business owner since 2008.
How does that apply to the office you’re seeking?
Like that Farmers Insurance commercial, I know a lot because I’ve seen a lot. My diverse background has afforded me practical hands-on experience in business, government, and public safety — three key areas critical to our community’s success. I’ve faced the challenges of both business overregulation and community insecurity firsthand, courtesy in part to the 2019 bail and discovery reform act. I understand what our local families, business owners, and first responders need from our elected representatives in Albany.
What would be your top priorities?
My top priorities are reducing the cost of living, restoring public safety, and creating opportunities for economic growth. I’ll fight to roll back the 2019 bail and discovery reforms as well as the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. I would like to cut taxes and reduce government overreach so businesses can thrive, hire more of our local people, who then can contribute with their wage taxes to support needed programming within the state and provide opportunities for our residents.
Why are you the best person for the job?
Collectively, we have seen what the past five years have looked like here in New York State. One-party rule by the Democrat supermajority and their 2019 legislative session touted as the “most progressive and productive session that’s ever been in New York State,” according to State Sen. Gianaris, is causing our residents to flee, our power, fuel and groceries to climb in price, and simply overburdening every one of us. I know the Hudson Valley inside and out — I’ve lived here my whole life, raised a family here, and served our community for over 35 years. My experience in public safety, economic development, and business gives me a unique perspective to confront the challenges we face. I’m not just running to hold office; I’m running to get Albany out of our homes and businesses, so our families and communities can prosper.
