CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
Each February, the UCDC convenes to endorse candidates for public office and party positions. Depending on the election year, these endorsements may include county-wide public offices, County Legislature, State Assembly, State Senate, US Congress, and party positions such as State Committee members and Delegates for Judicial Conventions. The UCDC may also decide not to make an endorsement in a particular race.
Following a UCDC endorsement, candidates receive our assistance with ballot access (we carry designating petitions for endorsed candidates) and a public announcement of the endorsement. Endorsed candidates may also be given access to our voter database. If there is more than one Democratic candidate in any given race, additional support may be available only after the Democratic Primary.
2025 Candidate Endorsement Process
Candidates for the following public offices may be considered for UCDC endorsement in 2025:
NYS Supreme Court Justice, Third Judicial District
Ulster County Clerk
Ulster County Comptroller
Ulster County Family Court Judge
Ulster County Legislature
Candidate endorsements for Ulster County Legislature will be voted on only by UCDC members representing Election Districts within the legislative district. Endorsements for Town or City offices are handled by the UCDC municipal-level local committees.
Endorsement Steps
STEP 1: Alert the UCDC to your interest in an endorsement — This typically involves contacting and meeting with the County Chair and submitting an application.
Complete the 2025 Candidate Endorsement Application.
Email the County Chair a copy of your resume.
If you are running for County Legislator, also contact the Town/City Chairs of the local Democratic Committees in your legislative district to introduce yourself and discuss your candidacy.
STEP 2: Present your candidacy to UCDC members — This is typically done at Town/City Committee meetings prior to the February UCDC convention, and also via direct outreach to individual members.
Contact Town/City Chairs to schedule a visit to their local meetings (there are 20 municipal committees and often their winter meetings are via Zoom). At these meetings you will introduce yourself and answer questions. Legislator candidates need only contact chairs within their legislative district.
Share your campaign message with UCDC members via email, US mail, phone, and/or events organized by your campaign.
STEP 3: Participate in the February UCDC endorsement convention.
Submit a final Statement of Candidacy for distribution to UCDC members with the official meeting notice.
Line up a Nominator, who must be a current UCDC member (you may also have a Seconder, who must also be a current member).
If you have any questions about the endorsement process, please contact the UCDC Chair.