Hudson Valley, NY—Citizen Action of New York Hudson Valley announced their endorsement of a slate of bold progressive champions to bolster the growing majority of leaders in the New York State Senate and U.S. House. The candidates are Karen Smythe in Senate District 41, and Michelle Hinchey in Senate District 46. They have also endorsed Jen Metzger for re-election in Senate District 42, as well as Antonio Delgado for re-election in New York’s 19th Congressional District.
Michelle Hinchey is running to turn the seat vacated by Republican George Amedore from red to blue. Karen is poised to win the 46th Senate District in a rematch against the Republican incumbent. The pandemic has underscored the need for progressive leadership in all areas of government, and the need to build a democracy that represents the many, not the few. Member leaders at Citizen Action cite each candidates’ commitment to championing progressive issues that impact everyday New Yorkers as key reasons for its endorsement, including – fully and equitably funding public schools, ending the eviction and homelessness crisis, dismantling mass incarceration and taking climate action.
Citizen Action statewide has also endorsed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for President and Vice President and are encouraging all voters to cast their votes on the Working Families Party ballot line in New York State.
“This is one of the most important elections in decades,” said Rashida Tyler, a board member of Citizen Action of New York and Kingston resident. “We are at a pivotal moment in time and we have to ensure that we are not only voting to help make the change we want to see happen, but also that we are voting for the right candidates who can make it happen. We have endorsed the best candidates who will stand up for what is right.”
“Thank you to Citizen Action and their members for their support of our campaign in this crucial election for our Upstate communities,” said Michelle Hinchey, candidate for State Senate. “I look forward to listening to and working with their members on the many issues facing people in the 46th District including access to affordable housing and healthcare, ensuring our children have a quality education and fighting for equality and fairness for all. I’m proud of the broad coalition of voices that we are building.”
“Whether it’s fighting for quality public education in every zip code, ensuring quality affordable housing for all, or striving for a more progressive tax system to close the income gap in New York, I will work hard to achieve Citizen Action’s vision of a world full of opportunity, love, respect and dignity. I am honored to accept their endorsement,” said Karen Smythe, candidate for New York State Senate.
“The coronavirus pandemic has exposed the deeply entrenched systemic inequality across our country – from healthcare to affordable housing, broadband access, and education funding. The moment demands that our government truly live up to our democratic principles. That is why I am proud to once again receive the endorsement of Citizen Action of New York and pledge to join them in being a changemaker and leader in the fight for social, racial, economic and environmental justice,” said Congressman Antonio Delgado (NY-19).
“I appreciate Michelle Hinchey, and Karen Smythe for their thoughtful dedication to the environment and climate change concern. Michelle has been on the ground as a climate activist and worked notably to keep fracking out of New York State,” said Elizabeth Strum, Citizen Action member. “Karen gave me hope that fossil fuel companies will pivot if we create the means to make the petroleum business unprofitable. I am excited that they may join Jen Metzger who has been at the forefront of environmental issues fighting for climate action in New York State her entire first term.”
“The next 4 weeks will be pivotal and we’ll use every tool in our toolbox to make sure all voters have the opportunity to vote for these Hudson Valley champions.” said Stanley Fritz, Citizen Action’s NYS Political Director “Our thousands of member-leaders throughout these districts are fired up and ready to contact every voter to vote their values and ensure a State Senate and U.S. House that addresses the dire concerns of the people of the mid-Hudson Valley.”
Citizen Action of New York is a grassroots membership organization with eight regional chapters and thousands of members. We take on big issues that are at the center of transforming society, including health care for all, strong public schools, affordable housing, fair elections, restorative justice, and more. Citizen Action is a partner of the Working Families Party and encourages all voters to cast their vote on the Working Families Party ballot line in 2020.