Dutchess Dems Announce 2023 Endorsements

POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess Democratic Committee held its nominating convention for countywide elections last Thursday night, endorsing Tommy Zurhellen for County Executive, Anthony Parisi for District Attorney, Kenya Gadsden for County Clerk, and James Rogers for Family Court Judge.

Dutchess County Democratic Chair Michael Dupree said, “It was an exciting night with my fellow Democratic committee members so fired up to endorse this particular countywide slate.

“I am proud to announce this roster: Tommy Zurhellen for Dutchess County Executive, Anthony Parisi for District Attorney, Kenya Gadsden for County Clerk, and James Rogers for Family Court Judge. Each exemplifies our core Democratic values and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service. I look forward to working with them to deliver a new era of prosperity, fairness, and good governance to Dutchess County residents.”

County Executive candidate Tommy Zurhellen said, “Dutchess County deserves a leader who will walk the walk and deliver real results for our county. As a former Navy petty officer, a teacher and administrator in higher education for over 20 years, and a veteran advocate who continues to work every day to improve the lives of our heroes, I am ready to translate my leadership experience into real results for the residents of Dutchess County.”

District Attorney candidate Anthony Parisi said, “As a lifelong resident of Dutchess County, I am committed to serving the People: pursuing justice, keeping our communities safe and working for a fairer criminal justice system for all. From building better police and community partnerships to prevent gun violence, to transparency and conviction integrity, and support for crime victims and sexual assault victims, I promise to do more to improve our criminal justice system and keep Dutchess County safe.”

County Clerk candidate Kenya Gadsden said, “I am honored to have the Democratic endorsement for Dutchess County Clerk. I look forward to meeting the residents of Dutchess County where they are. I promise to work hard every day to make it easier for them to access the many important services provided by the County Clerk’s office.”

Family Court Judge candidate James Rogers said, “I am both honored and humbled to be endorsed by the Dutchess County Democratic Committee. I am proud to join a slate of candidates so driven and committed to serving all the hardworking families in our county. I bring a lifetime of public service to this race for Family Court Judge and aim to carry out the responsibilities of that office with strength and compassion.”

Zurhellen is a Marist professor, noted veteran advocate, and a resident of the City of Poughkeepsie.

Parisi is the Chief of the Major Crimes Bureau at the Dutchess County District Attorney’s office where he has served 25 years, a former Public Defender and a resident of the Town of Beekman.

Gadsden has worked at Lifespire, a nonprofit that works with developmentally disabled individuals, for thirty years. She is also a former Town of Fishkill Board member and a resident of the Town of Fishkill.

Rogers is a former New York State Deputy District Attorney for Social Justice, a former Deputy Commissioner for Worker Protection with the New York State Department of Labor, and a resident of the Village of Red Hook. When Rogers was president of the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys, he initiated a campaign to change the law and cap the number of cases of law guardians in family court take on at any one time. This law drastically improved the quality of representation of children in family court.