FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 19, 2026
CONTACT: press@ucdems.org

Ulster County Democrats Endorse Candidates Across

Federal, State, and Local Offices for Landmark 2026 Election

KINGSTON, NY — The Ulster County Democratic Committee convened its 2026 Endorsement Convention on Monday, February 16, at Kingston City Hall, where a packed house of committee members gathered to endorse candidates for the 2026 election cycle.

“Ulster County Democrats are united in supporting this incredible slate of endorsed candidates who are committed to promoting affordability, decency, and safety within our communities,” said Ulster County Democratic Committee Chair Barbara Graves-Poller. “The energy, diversity, and passion for public service on display at our convention is what most voters hope to see at the national level.”

Committee members from across Ulster County met to formally consider and vote on endorsements for offices that will appear on this year’s ballot. Beginning this cycle, New York voters will elect local, county, state, and federal leaders in even-year elections, placing all levels of government on a single ballot.

New York’s primary election will be held on June 23, 2026, followed by the General Election on November 3, 2026. All candidates must complete the petitioning process to secure a place on the ballot, with petitioning expected to begin in the coming weeks.

With more than 50,000 registered Democrats, the Ulster County Democratic Party is powered by activists and community-minded volunteers across the Hudson Valley and Catskills. Together, we are working to build a more perfect union where our people, our environment, and our economy can thrive.

The Ulster County Democratic Committee endorsed the following candidates:

United States Congress

District 18 – Pat Ryan
District 19 – Josh Riley

New York State Senate
District 41 – Michelle Hinchey
District 51 – Michele Frazier

New York State Assembly
District 103 – Sarahana Shrestha
District 104 – Jonathan Jacobson

Ulster County Sheriff
Juan Figueroa

Ulster County Surrogate’s Court Judge
Judy Nolfo

Ulster County Legislature
District 1 – Aaron Levine
District 2 – Ann Peters
District 3 – Kate Leon
District 4 – Michael Berardi
District 5 – Abe Uchitelle
District 6 – Greg McCollough
District 7 – Peter Criswell
District 8 – Joseph Donaldson
District 9 – Amy Dooley
District 10 – Dominick Marino
District 11 – Laura Donovan
District 13 – Adrienne Gelfand-Perine
District 15 – Thomas (TJ) Briggs
District 16 – Debra Clinton
District 17 – Pierrette Farber
District 18 – Eric Stewart
District 19 – Lindsey Grossman
District 20 – Bill Murray
District 21 – Ken Stephens
District 22 – Robert Drake
District 23 – Jeff Collins

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