Pat Ryan Announces Run for 18th District

By Miranda Reale

KINGSTON – Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan announced Monday that he will be running in the November election. Following the release of the newly created 18th Congressional District, redistricting maps were made by a special master that split Ulster County and the city of Kingston. The new map not only divides Ulster County between two newly created congressional districts, but also splits the city of Kingston between those two districts.

“I am announcing today that I will be running in the newly created NY-18 Congressional District. As currently drawn, this map represents the area where I was born and raised, where I graduated from West Point, and where I currently live, serve as Ulster County Executive,” Ryan said in a series of posts on Twitter. “In the coming days, I will be announcing more about my campaign and the steps that we will take to ensure that we can hold this seat, fight back against Washington extremism, and restore trust and faith in our democracy,” he continued.

In the newly created 19th congressional district Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro will not be running against Ryan as he does not live within the boundaries of the district. Political newcomer, Josh Riley, who announced his candidacy Monday, will run against Molinaro.

State Senator James Skoufis, D-Cornwall, also said on Monday that he too is considering a run for Congress. “In light of the new map and Congressman Maloney’s decision to run in NY-17, I am seriously considering a run for the House of Representatives,” he said Monday via social media.

If Skoufis does decide to run, a potential primary election between himself and Ryan for the Democratic party line will be held on August 23. Currently, Skoufis represents all of Orange County and part of Ulster County. The winner of the Democratic primary will run against state Assemblyman Colin Schmitt, who reaffirmed his candidacy for the 18th congressional district Monday.

The new draft map, drawn by Jonathan Cervas who is a court-appointed expert, is a revision of a former map created by the state Legislature’s Democratic majority that was opposed by the U.S. Court of Appeals. Republicans had complaints that the new lines were made to help Democrats win more seats, and the redrawn map will make districts in the Hudson Valley more competitive. Residents have three days to comment on the draft before a final map is approved Friday by state Supreme Court Justice Patrick F. McAllister.