KINGSTON – Kingston native Jackie Auringer, a Republican, has announced that she will challenge Democrat Pat Ryan in November’s 18th Congressional District election.
Auringer, 29, a businesswoman, works for her family’s construction business, Urban Precast and previously lived in the state of Florida.
“I am running for Congress because I am no longer willing to leave the future of my community in the hands of people who have proven they can’t be trusted to act in our best interest,” Auringer said in a statement. “Too many voices here have been drowned out. People are tired of the fighting and the finger-pointing. I’m running to actually get something done for this community.”
Ryan, a West Point graduate and former Ulster County executive, is running for reelection to a third full term. He easily defeated Republican Alison Esposito in the 2026 election.
Auringer’s announcement came as another Republican, Sharanjit Thind, dropped out of the race. On Monday, Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck filed a challenge with the state Board of Elections against Thind’s nominating petitions. Bruck alleges that Thind falsely claimed residency in District 18 and failed to include line numbers for each signer on his petitions.
While members of Congress are not required to live in the districts they represent, Bruck contends that Thind appears to reside on Long Island rather than at the Lagrangeville address in Dutchess County he listed.
“Free and fair elections require candidates to be honest about the most basic facts, including where they live,” Bruck said. “The Republican nominee registered to vote in this district just weeks ago at an address the evidence shows he does not reside in, while publicly acknowledging he lives on Long Island with his family. Voters in the 18th District deserve a candidate who actually represents them and is honest about it.”
The 18th District is made up of parts of Orange, Dutchess and Ulster counties.
Comments