Ryan Endorse Lisa Kaul for NY Senate Primary

TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – Hudson Valley Congressman Pat Ryan backs New York State Senate Candidate Lisa Kaul in the Democratic Primary for New York State Senate District 39.

“As a true servant leader, Lisa puts others first, listening to constituents and working tirelessly to address their needs. Lisa has the courage to fight for what is right, even when facing opposition, and most importantly, she delivers results. I’m proud to endorse her in this race.”

The pair appeared together at a special event at La Cabanita in Poughkeepsie on Sunday, January 18 for the surprise announcement.

“I am deeply honored to be endorsed by Congressman Pat Ryan,” said Kaul. “I have been inspired by his straightforward and fierce commitment to doing right by his constituents. He shows up, he does the work, and he delivers. Congressman Ryan’s servant leadership mirrors my commitment as a New American to giving back to the country I’m proud to call home.”

Kaul, a second-term Dutchess County Legislator and Chair of the Environment Committee, announced her campaign a month ago. “I’m running because we are at a critical moment. Working people are being crushed by rising costs. Our freedoms and basic dignity are under attack. And climate change threatens our future,” said Kaul. “I’m running because we all deserve the opportunity to thrive, not just make ends meet. To get there, we need new leadership who will fight and deliver for us.”

As the County Legislator representing District 6 (Town of Poughkeepsie), Kaul has forged cooperation between state, county, and municipal governments to bring resources where they are needed. After a decade of partisan impasse, Kaul worked across the aisle to solve environmental and infrastructure problems, obtaining funds for a new waste management strategy. Kaul will bring the same solutions-oriented approach to Albany.

In the 21 years that she’s lived in the Hudson Valley, Kaul has contributed extensively in her community—including leading a fight to keep her local elementary school from closing, and then being elected to the Board of Education; organizing the Poughkeepsie Women’s March Across the Hudson; and serving on the board of Planned Parenthood Greater New York Action Fund. She continues to volunteer actively with local community organizations, and runs a Repair Café where neighbors help each other mend things to keep them out of the landfills.

Born in India, Kaul won a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University, where she earned a PhD. In 2004, she and her husband moved to the US, where they raised their son. In 2008, she became an American citizen.

Senate District 39 includes parts of Dutchess (Poughkeepsie, Lagrange, Union Vale, Wappinger, Fishkill, East Fishkill, and Pawling), Putnam (Putnam Valley and Philipstown), and Orange (Newburgh and Montgomery) counties. The Democratic Primary will be held on June 23, 2026.