PLATTSBURGH — Clinton County Democrats are looking forward to their NY-21 candidate Blake Gendebien and everything he could offer the district, if elected.
Brandi Lloyd, Clinton County Democratic Chair, said the 15 county chairs were “elated” to finally be able to introduce everyone to Gendebien.
“I can’t wait for all of you to have the chance to meet him,” Lloyd told county Democrats at a news conference announcing the party’s candidates for several local races last Wednesday.
“I think he’s going to really unite us across the aisle. I think he’s going to have everyone turn out and vote for him. and you know … how important it is for us to flip the seat and narrow their (Republicans) majority, even more, especially now.”
The NY-21 seat is set to be vacated by long-time Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville), who was nominated by President Donald Trump for the role of United Nations Ambassador; however, she is still awaiting a Senate confirmation vote.
If confirmed, Stefanik will resign as congresswoman and Gov. Kathy Hochul will have 10 days to declare a special election. As the current law states, that election must happen within 70 to 80 days after that.
But it could be delayed until the date of a primary in late June.
NY-21 Republicans have yet to name their candidate for the race.
Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman, a Democrat, said he has not had the chance to meet Gendebien yet but looks forward to doing so over the course of the Special Election.
“Meeting him and better understanding what you know his position is. One of the things that I’m very pleased about is that we continue to put forward individuals that … have the values of the North Country,” Cashman told the media after the news conference.
“As a farmer, I think he provides a unique perspective, and I think that’s needed down in Congress more than ever.”
Gendebien, a farmer from Lisbon in St. Lawrence County, was announced as the Democrat’s candidate earlier this week.
“I think it’s really important not to look back, but to look forward and with the new candidate, it’s very critical, particularly, in such a condensed time period that you have to get out there and meet with the constituency, listen to them so that you can be an active voice if you are duly elected,” Cashman said.
“So I applaud him for putting himself out there, and look forward to getting to know him and his platform moving forward.”
Campaigns in the NY-21 district have previously been fiery. Cashman said he wants to look past name calling and see the candidates for “who they are” instead.
“I was around during the last election when Bill Owens became our representative, and let’s be honest, the playbook is always the ‘far-leaning Ultra liberal,’” he said.
“Let the candidates and their experience speak for who they are. Let it not come out of the talking pieces of either parties, to be quite frank. and I think that the North Country has had a tradition of being fairly purple in many races. Individuals require Democrats (and) Republicans to come together so that we can have North Country values represented in places like D.C., Albany and our local races as well.
“So let’s look at the candidates and let them speak for what they can do for us.”
The NY-21 district’s large geographical size, which includes Clinton, Franklin, St. Lawrence, Lewis, Hamilton, Essex, Warren, Washington, Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Schoharie and parts of Jefferson, Rensselaer and Otsego Counties undoubtedly makes the seat unique.
Cashman said it creates a cross pollination of issues for any candidate to take on.
“We have certain North Country issues, but there’s still Upstate issues, and those are a lot more aligned than things that are, say, New York City,” he said.
“So we need a representative, once they are duly elected, to make sure that their foot is in the district on a regular basis. It requires consistent outreach and a consistent presence. and I think what’s going to set the tone during this election is the candidates getting out and meeting with the constituency.”