ALBANY– Republican Jackie Auringer will have an opportunity to challenge Democrat incumbent Pat Ryan in the race for the 18th Congressional District after a State Supreme Court Judge on Friday dismissed a case brought against the petitions in the race.
The complaint was filed last month by Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck, who objected to petitions collected by another GOP candidate that Auringer had permission to use. Bruck alleged that the candidate, Saranjit S. Thind, did not reside within the district and that his petition contained intentional procedural defects to make it harder for the public to review them.
“We’re pleased the court recognized what voters already know: this campaign belongs on the ballot,” said Auringer of Kingston. “This was never about technicalities; it was about whether the people of the Hudson Valley would be given a real choice in November. Today’s decision is a win for voters. It ensures this election will be decided the right way – by the people, not by backroom tactics or political games.”
Thind’s petitions listed his address as 3 Trinity Way, Lagrangeville, New York, located within the 18th Congressional District. Bruck claimed that Thind didn’t live there. The complaint cited an interview last year in which Thind stated that he lives with his family on Long Island and was in the process of signing a lease for a residence in Ulster County.
Bruck said that Thind admitted in his testimony that he’s only stayed at the Lagrangeville address a handful of times, and he doesn’t keep any of his things there except a toothbrush and some toiletries.
“That said, the legal threshold for residency in election cases is high, Bruck said. “This case highlights how difficult residency challenges can be under current law, even where there are legitimate questions. While I disagree with the outcome, I brought this challenge in good faith to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process.”
Auringer, 29, a businesswoman, works for her family’s construction business, Urban Precast, and previously lived in Florida.
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