Ramos Announces Re-election Bid for Legislature

NEWBURGH – Genesis Ramos is a first-generation Latina and the proud daughter of Honduran immigrants. At 29, Genesis became the first woman of color elected to the Orange County Legislature. On Sunday, she announced her run for re-election.

Ramos has extensive experience working with local non-profits in the Hudson Valley region, particularly in the City of Newburgh, where she was the Founding Executive Director of the Desmond Center for Community Engagement & Wellness at Mount Saint Mary College.

Recently, Genesis joined PolicyLink, a national think tank focused on public policy and research that centers equity for all in the United States. As a Special Advisor to the Vice President of Programs, she works to strategize and support PolicyLink’s national program portfolio.

City of Newburgh Council Member Ramona Monteverde, City of Newburgh Democratic Committee Vice Chair Deborah Danzy, City of Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey, Orange County Legislator Genesis Ramos, City of Newburgh Council Member Robert McLymore, Sr., City of Newburgh Democatic Chair Jewel Ridgeway, and City of Newburgh Council Member Giselle Martinez pose for a photo after Ramos announced her re-election bid on January 26, 2025. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.
City of Newburgh Council Member Ramona Monteverde, City of Newburgh Democratic Committee Vice Chair Deborah Danzy, City of Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey, Orange County Legislator Genesis Ramos, City of Newburgh Council Member Robert McLymore, Sr., City of Newburgh Democatic Chair Jewel Ridgeway, and City of Newburgh Council Member Giselle Martinez pose for a photo after Ramos announced her re-election bid on January 26, 2025. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Joined by many elected officials and well-wishers, Ramos who is currently finishing her first four-year term, listed a number of accomplishments.

“Four years ago, I ran for the County Legislature to represent Newburgh. I won and made history as the first woman of color elected to the legislature, and I took that responsibility to heart. For the past three years, it has been an honor to serve our community, and I am excited to announce my reelection campaign for another term. Throughout my first term, I have consistently demonstrated integrity and dedication in all my efforts. I have built strong relationships with government partners at all levels, community leaders, colleagues in the legislature, and many dedicated department leaders in Orange County,” Ramos said.

Ramos spoke about the housing crisis in Orange County and her role in establishing a Housing Task Force. “I recognize the complex housing crisis our communities face, and I want to ensure that the county is doing everything within its power to address it,” she said.

City of Newburgh Ward 1 Councilwoman Giselle Martinez offers remarks as Orange County Legislator Genesis Ramos announced her re-election bid on January 26, 2025. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.
City of Newburgh Ward 1 Councilwoman Giselle Martinez offers remarks as Orange County Legislator Genesis Ramos announced her re-election bid on January 26, 2025. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

She has also unapologetically taken bold positions and have spoken truth to power, holding individuals in county government accountable. “My character, commitment, and hard work have led to my appointment as Chair of the Human Services Committee in the legislature this year. This is significant because it is my first term, and I am part of the minority caucus in the legislature. Historically, members of our caucus do not get appointed to chair committees,” she said.

Ramos concluded, “Despite the uncertainties ahead with the current chaotic and concerning political environment, one thing is certain: my commitment to our community is unwavering. I will continue to advocate and show up for us in the way we deserve. Let’s do this!”
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