Barrett defeats primary challenger

Veteran Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-106) defeated a Democratic primary challenge from Claire Cousin on Tuesday, June 25, by a vote of 2,328 to 2,019, according to unofficial results from the Dutchess County Board of Elections.

With 100 percent of election districts reporting, Barrett received 53.54% of the vote compared to Cousin’s 46.44%.

The 106th Assembly District represents parts of Dutchess and Columbia counties from the Town of Poughkeepsie to New Lebanon in the north.

Barrett carried districts in the northern part of the 106th, including North East, Pine Plains, Washington, Clinton and Milan. Cousin showed strength in the Town of Poughkeepsie and Hyde Park, as well as in Stanford.

Barrett has served in the state Assembly since 2012 and is in her sixth term, having won the seat in a special election to finish the term of Marc Molinaro.

Tuesday’s primary challenge from Cousin was a first for Barrett. Cousin, a Hudson Valley native and member of the Columbia County Board of Supervisors, launched her campaign last year.

Barrett, who chairs the Assembly’s Energy Committee and sits on other committees, is well known for her support of nonprofits, community project needs, housing and historical and cultural resources.Her campaign emphasized the financial capital and operational financing that she has delivered to the district’s communities.

Cousin, a community leader who is co-founder of the Hudson/Catskill Housing Coalition, focused on community advocacy and social justice. Cousin’s campaign identified top issues that include affordability, climate, housing and education.