Yvette Valdés Smith Is Running For Senate

BEACON – Dutchess County Minority Leader Yvette Valdés Smith announced her candidacy for Senate District 39 to represent parts of Dutchess, Orange, and Putnam counties in the State Legislature. As a former local public school teacher, longstanding union member, and proud Latina, Yvette is running to bring the urgently needed representation and crucial resources that SD-39 has been lacking under current leadership. Yvette Valdés Smith enters this race already with the endorsements and support of elected officials from all levels of government, party leaders, and labor, including Local CWA 1120, Congressman Pat Ryan, all three County Democratic Committees, Assemblymember Dana Levenberg, former Dutchess County Comptroller Robin Lois, and countless others.

Yvette Valdés Smith said, “As a county legislator, I know firsthand what real issues look like on the ground. I know what it means when school funding doesn’t get delivered, affordability measures aren’t promoted, and environmental protections aren’t defended. I’ve seen how families are struggling to make ends meet, and I’ve worked hard to uphold the best interests of those that I represent in Dutchess County. Now, I am running for Senate District 39 to elevate that fight to Albany, and bring home the bigger results that our region deserves. We cannot afford two more years of attacks on our education funding, reproductive rights, labor protections, and climate goals. As your next State Senator, I will be a guaranteed advocate for the Hudson Valley, and everyone who calls this place home.”

Congressman Pat Ryan said, “I proudly endorse my friend Yvette Valdés Smith to serve our community in the NYS Senate. I’ve worked closely with Yvette to deliver critical relief to the residents of Dutchess County, and look forward to continuing to partner with her — as our next State Senator — to protect our environment and fight to preserve fundamental freedoms for all residents of the Hudson Valley.”

Assemblymember Dana Levenberg said, “We need a State Senator in this seat who will focus on reinvestment, equity, and truly advocating for our region in Albany. Yvette Valdés Smith will do just that, because she leads with her values first, and keeps the community at the forefront of her mind at all times.”

Rob Pinto, Business Agent of CWA Local 1120 said, “2023 was the year of the strike. Unions stood tall. UAW, SEIU, CWA and NYSUT and NYSNA all fought and won great victories at the bargaining table. All those victories started on picket lines across the state. The working class looked to their political leaders for support. And we found a champion in Yvette Valdés Smith. Yvette led the way to support workers. The outreach of support by vocally and publicly supporting the workers of the community truly helped move the scales in favor of the middle class. Albany needs a voice that speaks for the hard working people of the SD 39.”

Former Dutchess County Comptroller Robin Lois said, “I am proud to endorse Yvette Valdés Smith for NYS Senate District 39. Yvette’s dedicated leadership as the current Democrat Minority Leader of the Dutchess County Legislature reflects her unwavering commitment to public service and her community. As a legislator, a teacher, and a mom she has the perfect perspective and skills to continue her tireless advocacy for us in Albany and deliver the resources we need to make our community even greater. Yvette’s commitment, integrity, and compassion will continue to guide her to always do what’s right over what’s easy. I look forward to Yvette being my NYS Senator!”

Michael Dupree, Dutchess County Democratic Committee Chair said, “Yvette Valdés Smith excels in service leadership. Yvette identifies needs within her community, conveys that upward while also conferring with stakeholders to create solutions. She is both dynamic and caring and above all fearless. The residents of every county in the 39th will have a terrific advocate in the majority by electing Yvette Valdés Smith.”

Zak Constantine, Orange County Democratic Committee Chair said, “Yvette Valdés Smith is exactly what District 39 needs – a leader who understands our priorities and is ready to act. Her relentless focus on critical issues like housing affordability, environmental protections, and preventing gun violence resonates deeply with Orange County voters. Yvette’s proven track record in the Dutchess County Legislature, combined with her collaborative work with Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson, positions her to hit the ground running and ensure the needs of Orange County families are better addressed.”

Putnam County Democratic Committee Chair Jennifer Colamonico said, “Yvette Valdés Smith has done the hard work to run, win, represent all her voters, and be a leading Democratic voice in Dutchess. We look forward to introducing Yvette to Putnam and putting her energy and commitment to work for the people of our county.”

Rob Rolison (R) currently holds the NYS SD 39 seat.