Laurie Tautel, right, takes the oath of office as the new chairwoman of the Orange County Legislature. County Clerk Kelly Eskew, left, administered the oath.

GOSHEN – As expected, Orange County Legislator Michael Amo broke the 10-10 tie as the new county legislature for 2026 elected Democrat Laurie Tautel as its chairwoman.

She defeated Republican Barry Cheney by an 11 to 10 vote.

Tautel is following in the footsteps of her mentor, the late Roxanne Donnery, who served as legislature chairwoman in 2009, the last time a Democrat held that post.

Tautel told fellow lawmakers the county faces new challenges in today’s economic climate.

“Today Orange County is at a new crossroads. Families are struggling with rising costs, seniors are worried about staying in their homes, young people want to build lives here, but aren’t sure they can afford to,” she said. “Our infrastructure is aging, our health systems are under strain, and too many residents feel disconnected from county government all together.”

Tautel said none of the challenges are partisan and none can be solved by one party alone. She said the legislature must focus on affordability, accountability and long-term planning.

Hank Gross is the founder of Mid-Hudson News and a veteran journalist with over five decades of experience covering the Hudson Valley. A graduate of SUNY Oneonta, where he began his career in broadcasting, Hank has worked across radio, TV, and print media since 1970. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including an Associated Press “Best Newscast” award and recognition as a “Pillar of the Community” by the Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center. He lives in Middletown with his wife, Virginia.
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