County Legislator Luján Announces Re-Election Run

By Kevindaryán Luján

As a proud son of Newburgh, a lifelong Democrat, and a public servant nearing my eighth year in the Orange County Legislature, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for a third term as your Legislator for Newburgh, representing District 6 (Formerly District 4).

I am in awe of the resilience and love our neighbors have shown, which inspires me every day. Some of the challenges our city has faced include; natural disasters that left community members vulnerable without electricity or food, a global pandemic that highlighted a growing number of health and social inequalities, a national call for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in response to systemic racism, a national housing crisis that continues to worsen, and a migrant crisis that was turned into a national political circus. Throughout these obstacles we stood together working to uplift our community.
Orange County deserves leaders who will put people over politics. I pledge to continue to be that leader and to find collaborative and bi-partisan solutions to help all of our residents prosper.

While there are more Republicans than Democrats in the legislature, I have continuously advocated for the needs and interests of our city, county and our most vulnerable communities. Here are some of the ways I have worked to uplift my district:

• Helped cut our budget and reduce taxes. I am proud to be part of a legislature that has continuously lowered taxes for our county residents. In 2024, I co-sponsored a resolution to further reduce the county budget by an additional $2M.

• Working with federal, state, and county stake holders to bring funds to boost our local economy and attract new businesses and jobs to our Newburgh historic district. This year alone, we received millions to help rebuild our Newburgh pier and funds to improve our infrastructure.

• Advocating for greater investment in our SUNY college system, which has led to more workforce development programs and made college more accessible and affordable.

• Working with county and state partners to bring free public transportation to the City and Town of Newburgh, resulting in record breaking ridership. This has saved our community money, while also helping reduce pollution.

• Leading the charge for affordable housing. I have highlighted the alarming need for action to help address a growing housing crisis. I am part of a newly formed bi-partisan task force that will focus on helping tackle the housing crisis in our region.

• On environmental justice, I have been the most progressive voice in over a decade, fighting against fossil fuels companies, pushing to ban plastic bags, protecting our Hudson River and working with residents and grassroots movements to ensure our air and water is not for sale.

• Highlighting issues pertaining to racial inequality and criminal justice reform, advocating for body cameras and DEI training for our county law enforcement and advocating for greater transparency and accountability.

• Working with local partners to help support asylum seekers. While many remained silent during a migrant crisis that landed on our door step in the Town of Newburgh, I did not.

• Voted against pay raises for myself and all elected county positions. I use my community as my guiding compass so I understand that many are financially struggling. If we are going to ask our residents to tighten their belts and make tough financial decisions, we should do the same.

• Fought to improve county meeting access to all of our county residents. I advocated for more night meetings so residents can attend after work and know what is going on in their districts.