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“I’ve committed the past decade of my life to meaningful public service and, since the release of the new Congressional and State Senate maps last week, have painstakingly considered how to best continue that service. Congressional gridlock demands new leaders that do not go-along to get-along and will, instead, stand up for what’s right – not what’s politically convenient; who will fight like hell for our communities, and protect our democracy – one that’s in grave danger.

“County Executive Pat Ryan has made clear he intends to run in the 19th congressional district special election, then subsequently turn his attention to running in the new 18th congressional district in August. Given the makeup of this new district and my record of delivering for Hudson Valley families, I felt confident my team and I would prevail in a primary, but it would no doubt leave our campaign in a bruised position with just two months until November’s challenging general election.

“Assemblyman Colin Schmitt, who is also running in the 18th, keeps an unopened bottle of champagne in his bedroom… a bottle he proudly tells people he isn’t opening until he becomes President of the United States. Putting aside the obvious megalomania, Assemblyman Schmitt’s toxic, demagoguing politics must not creep its way into our federal government. This is a man who actively supported the “stop the steal” rally-turned-insurrection. 

“With all of this in mind, I have decided to forego a race for Congress this year so a damaging Democratic primary does not provide Assemblyman Schmitt with any undue advantage in the general election. The Hudson Valley needs and deserves solutions, not delusions.

“Serving in the State Senate has been an absolute privilege. Based on the finalized maps, however, my current district would be aggressively split into five new districts. My family, team, and I are exploring our options and will share a decision by week’s end. I am enormously and deeply grateful for everyone who has offered support to me over the past many days as I look to continue serving the great people of the Hudson Valley.”