Dutchess County Legislature Has New Dem Majority

POUGHKEEPSIE – Legislator Yvette Valdés Smith (D-Fishkill) and former Minority Leader, was elected Chair of the Dutchess County Legislature, for the body’s 2026 legislative session at its annual reorganization meeting Monday night.

Chair Valdés Smith said, “It is an honor of a lifetime to be elected Chair of the Dutchess County Legislature, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to deliver real results for our residents. Everyone in our county deserves to live in thriving communities that are affordable, safe, supportive, and equitable. Our new Democratic majority ran on affordability and a commitment to addressing policy to relieve the housing crisis. We are ready. I have successfully worked across the aisle in this legislative body for two terms and will continue to do so. Together, we will be laser-focused on making Dutchess the best place to live, work, raise families, run businesses, and retire.”

“This moment represents more than a shift in numbers. It represents a shift in leadership, values, and priorities for Dutchess County,” said Majority Leader Barrington Atkins (D- City of Poughkeepsie). “Chair Valdés Smith is the right leader at the right time. I have worked alongside Yvette for many years, and I know firsthand her discipline, integrity, and deep commitment to the people of this county. She does not shy away from hard conversations, she understands how to build coalitions, and she knows how to get the job done and get it done well. As I step into the role of Majority Leader, I remain deeply committed to delivering for the residents of my district while also working tirelessly on behalf of all of Dutchess County. Our Democratic majority is not here to play politics; we are here to govern, to lead, and to move this county forward with purpose and accountability.”

“Chair Valdés Smith helped make these electoral successes possible by working closely with all our members to ensure we focus on the people of Dutchess County,” said Legislator Kris Munn (D-Red Hook). “It is only natural that she should lead the Legislature to continue that work.”

The six newly elected Democratic Dutchess County Legislators (Eric Alexander (D-Washington), Emma Arnoff (D-LaGrange), Trevor Redl (D-Town of Poughkeepsie), Molly Rhodes (D-Beacon), Anna Shah (D-Town of Poughkeepsie), and Alix Winsby (D-Wappinger) joined all nine Democratic incumbents in unanimously supporting Valdés Smith as Chair.
Legislator Eric Alexander stated, “I’m honored to serve with Chair Valdés Smith and our team and appreciate the commitment to supporting constituents throughout Dutchess County.”

Legislator Emma Arnoff said, “Words cannot express my gratitude to the voters of District 2 for their faith in me. I look forward to working with our Chair, our leadership team, our staff, and fellow legislators.”

Legislator Trevor Redl proclaimed, “This work is about the role we play in the lives of others the people and residents we serve. The greatest meaning comes from the impact we have on their stories. I look forward to working with colleagues across the legislature and enthusiastically support Yvette for Chair.”

Legislator Molly Rhodes shared, “Dutchess County has so much to offer, and I’m humbled and excited to be able to work to create opportunity and ensure dignity for everyone. I can think of no better person to lead the work of the Dutchess County Legislature than Yvette Valdés Smith. Her commitment and compassion for the people of Dutchess combined with her deep understanding of what we need to focus on to make Dutchess even stronger makes me even more excited and proud to roll up my sleeves and begin the work together.”

Legislator Anna Shah stated, “I am grateful to the voters of District 5 in the Town of Poughkeepsie for the confidence they have placed in me to serve as their County Legislator. Poughkeepsie is my lifelong home, and I am honored to give back to the community. I am also proud to support Chair Yvette Valdés Smith, whose historic election as the first Latina ever and the first Democrat to serve as Chair in decades reflects meaningful progress for the Legislature as well as her strong record of effective, collaborative leadership. I look forward to working with my colleagues, and across party lines, to advance fair, transparent, and responsible governance for all of Dutchess County.”

Legislator Alix Winsby said, “I am excited to be working with our new majority leadership, as they have shown their effectiveness while in the minority. I look forward to representing District 14, and serving every resident in Dutchess County.”

Control of the 25-member Dutchess County Legislature flipped from a 15-10 Republican majority to a 15-10 Democratic majority following unprecedented success in the November election. This will be the first Democratic majority since the 2008-2009 term.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino stated, “We congratulate each member of the Dutchess County Legislature, both newly elected and those returning, as they are sworn in tonight and begin the 2026 Legislative session. These 25 women and men represent 20 towns, eight villages and two cities, and we look forward to working together in our shared service to all the people who call Dutchess County home.

“Congratulations as well to Yvette Valdés Smith on her election as Chair of the Legislature. Together, we are marking an exciting moment in Dutchess County Government history: the first time women are serving concurrently as County Executive and Chair of the Legislature. I look forward to continuing our collaborative relationship as she steps into this new leadership role. I know we share a commitment to always serving with the best interests of our neighbors in mind.

“There is much work ahead and my experience has taught me that the best results come when we listen to one another and work collectively. My door is always open for the conversations and collaborations that build positive and productive partnerships and help to enhance the lives of our Dutchess County neighbors.”