PLATTSBURGH — Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman is the Democrats’ nominee for the upcoming 115th Assembly District special election.
The Clinton, Franklin and Essex County Democratic chairs made the announcement Friday that they were selecting Cashman, supervisor for the town of Plattsburgh since 2016, as their candidate to possibly replace Democratic Assemblyman Billy Jones, who is resigning from the seat next week.
Clinton County Democratic Chair Jeff Moore, Franklin County Democratic Chair Kathy Fleury and Essex County Democratic Chair Maggie Bartley noted Cashman’s experience and record as deciding factors.
“Cashman, the youngest town supervisor in Plattsburgh’s history, has been in office for 9 years and brings a record of successful governing to one of the largest towns in the district. He has a record of on-time budgets that have been under the tax cap,” the chairs said in a news release Friday.
“Cashman’s outreach to business and political leaders in the North Country makes him an effective leader. His openness also brings government transparency to the Assembly race. Cashman is running on a platform of affordability, job creation and a commitment to protecting rural healthcare. He’s energized and ready to listen to voters across the 115th District.
“Democrats in Assembly District 115 are energized and thrilled to support Michael Cashman.”
TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER
Cashman was one of two candidates — Bridie Farrell of Lake Placid being the other — to make a public announcement that they were seeking the nomination after Jones said he would be resigning.
“We spoke with several strong potential candidates, but Michael Cashman stood out. He brings the energy, vision, and experience that the North Country needs right now,” the three chairs wrote.
“He’s ready to bring people together to make sure North Country voices are heard, and we aren’t left behind.”
Cashman, now 44, was the youngest person ever elected Plattsburgh town supervisor at 34 years old. He did not respond to a request seeking comment by press time Friday.
Cashman told the Press-Republican earlier this month that declaring his candidacy for the assembly seat was a decision “not taken lightly.”
“That’s why I did my due diligence to engage in lots of thoughtful conversations,” he said. “But, I think it’s also important to declare the intent, understanding that there’s a process and the (county) chairs are going to choose the candidate.”
ALBANY CONNECTIONS
Cashman also said at the time of his candidacy announcement that in the past 10 years as supervisor he has built valuable connections in Albany and made sure the North Country always had a voice there.
He listed being elected vice president of the New York State Association of Towns — which champions local government priorities including infrastructure, housing and rural resources — and leading bipartisan Clinton County delegations to Albany to advocate for local needs as examples of his statewide leadership.
If elected as the next 115th assemblymember, Cashman said this advocacy would only continue but on a larger scale.
“I believe in a mantra of listen, learn and lead. The 115th District spans more than 40 communities, so it’s making sure that there’s a representative who listens to the constituents. They deserve a strong and clear voice in Albany who understands the opportunities and the challenges that we face,” he said.
“I think it’s also critical to have somebody in the majority that can be in the room, that will be listened to as well.”
REPUBLICANS
On the Republican side, New York State Police Troop B Commander Brent Davison recently received Clinton County Republican Committee Chairwoman Jerika Manning’s endorsement.
Davison, who grew up in Mooers Forks, has been the Troop B Commander since 2023.
“Brent has taken the concept of public service to its highest levels, leading with integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the North Country,” Manning said. “What makes Brent truly exceptional is that he understands the real-world implications and consequences of decisions made in Albany. He knows firsthand how policies affect our families, our law enforcement, our small businesses, and our communities. That perspective is exactly what we need representing us in the Assembly.”