Sen. Skoufis Launches Bid to Lead Democratic Party

HUDSON VALLEY – State Senator James Skoufis, a Cornwall Democrat, officially launched a bid on Saturday for chair of the Democratic National Convention. Skoufis, who was recently elected to his fourth term in the State Senate, began his political career on the Woodbury Town Board. In 2012, he was elected to the State Assembly, becoming its youngest member at 25. He was re-elected in 2014 and 2016 to the Assembly before winning a seat in the State Senate in 2018.

Reflecting on the November 5th election in which Republicans secured majorities in the House of Representatives and United States Senate and Donald Trump was elected President, Skoufis said it is time for a major shift in the Democratic Party.

“What this month’s elections taught us is that the Democratic Party of today has lost its way and no longer adequately represents the working-class values it has historically fought so hard to advance. I’ve spoken to so many voters who admit to not even knowing what the Democratic Party stands for, let alone acknowledge the party is looking out for their interests,” he said.

Skoufis is seen by many as an outside candidate for the role, but believes the approach he has taken locally should be implemented at a national level. He pointed to his recent 2024 election where he attributed his approach to a 14 percent margin of victory, despite Trump winning the same district by a 12 percent margin.

“I’ve decided to run for Chair of the Democratic National Committee because our party needs an outsider to fix its problems – not a DC insider or product of machine politics. We’ve tried that over and over and look at where it’s gotten us. Far too often, our party sounds like its running candidates for university chancellor, more worried about speaking in academic, politically correct terms than fighting for the priorities of Americans. I’m running to restore the Democratic Party to its working-class base, one that welcomes people under a big tent – not one that kicks those who dare disagree to the curb,” he said.

If successful, Skoufis said he would look to “inject some Orange County common sense into the Democratic Party.”

The election for DNC Chair will take place on February 1, 2025. Skoufis said that while running for chair he will remain focused on the issues that impact his Senate district.

“I remain as committed as ever to being the strong voice our constituents deserve in the State Senate,” said Skoufis. “No matter the outcome of the race, I’ll always fight for them.”