KINGSTON — The Ulster County Legislature kicked off its 2026 session by swearing in 23 members, passing four organizational resolutions and re-electing Chair Peter Criswell for a second term.
State Supreme Court Justice David Gandin administered the oath of office to all 23 legislators, who were joined by family members, friends and supporters.
Despite the lopsided majority, leaders from both parties said they intend to work collaboratively. In his opening remarks, Criswell urged legislators to approach the year ahead with restraint and professionalism, emphasizing the importance of effective local governance.
“In moments when the broader political landscape can feel unsettled or stalled. Local government remains a place where real work still happens. What we do here has a direct impact on people’s lives, and that makes our responsibility to lead with seriousness, care and follow through all the more important,” Criswell said.
In a prepared statement, Majority Leader Abe Uchitelle said voters entrusted Democrats to confront challenges including housing affordability, food insecurity and rising costs. Minority Leader Kevin Roberts said Republicans would continue to provide oversight and advocate for responsible spending, particularly for residents in southern Ulster County.
Democrats now hold a historic 19-4 supermajority, which is an increase from the previous 14-9 split. The newly seated Democratic legislators include:
- Ann Peters, a Democrat representing District 2 in the Village and Town of Saugerties
- Michael Berardi, a Democrat representing District 4 in the Town of Ulster who previously served from 2004 to 2007;
- Amy Dooley, a Democrat representing District 9 in the towns of Esopus and Lloyd; Dominick Marino, a Democrat representing District 10 in the towns of Lloyd and Marlborough;
- Laura Donovan, a Democrat representing District 11 in the Town of Marlborough;
- TJ Briggs, a Democrat representing District 15 in the Village of Ellenville and Town of Wawarsing who previously served from 2008 to 2017;
- Lindsey Grossman, a Democrat on the Working Families line representing District 19 in the towns of Marbletown and Rosendale and
- William Wheeler Murray, a Democrat representing District 20 in the Village and Town of New Paltz.
A recent change in New York state election law moved county legislative elections to even-numbered years, compressing the campaign calendar. As a result, lawmakers will begin the re-election process almost immediately, with petitioning set to start as early as February.
“Many of us will be doing the work of governing while also preparing for re-election,” Criswell said, calling the shortened timeline “new and unfamiliar territory” for the legislature.
Committee assignments and the 2026 meeting schedule are expected to be finalized within the next 20 days, according to legislative rules.
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