MID-HUDSON – Ten Orange County Democrats this week endorsed Evan Menist in the 39th Senate District race ahead of Tuesday’s primary.
However, one of his opponents, Gay Lee, contends that Orange County Democrats did not properly vet Menist. Lee criticized Menist, a four-term City of Poughkeepsie councilman, over the poor housing conditions residents allegedly face in the city.
“Leadership is about more than campaign photographs and endorsements. It is about delivering meaningful results for the people we serve,” said Lee, a former Newburgh city councilwoman. “Councilman Menist has served on the Poughkeepsie City Council for 12 years. During that time, residents have continued to raise serious concerns about housing conditions, neighborhood quality of life, and the lack of recreational opportunities for children and families. These concerns deserve attention from anyone seeking higher office.”
For example, Lee said that for years, residents of the Rip Van Winkle housing complex have reported living amid unfinished renovation work without any remediation.
Lee, Menist, and Dutchess County Legislator Lisa Kaul are on the ballot for Tuesday’s Democratic primary. The winner will face incumbent Republican Rob Rolison in November’s general election. Previously, he served as mayor of the City of Poughkeepsie
“My North Star is the voters and their decision making,” Kaul said. “I look forward to working with the Orange County leaders after the primary.”
Among those endorsing Menist are Orange County Legislature Democratic Leader Genesis Ramos; Orange County legislators Stephen Hunter and Gabrielle Hill; Orange County Democratic Committee Chair Zak Constantine; City of Newburgh Democratic Committee Chair Jules Ridgeway; Newburgh City Council members Giselle Martinez, Ramona Monteverde, Ronald Zorrilla and Tamika Stewart; and Newburgh Board of Education member Philip Howard.
“I support Evan Menist because Evan has proven to be a fighter for working-class people throughout Senate District 39,” Ramos said. “He has been extremely intentional about connecting with the Newburgh community since day one. Even before launching his campaign, he was already coming into our community and connecting with leaders.”
“Newburgh and Poughkeepsie are the last two working-class cities in the Hudson Valley,” Hill added. “As a Poughkeepsie city councilmember, Evan Menist understands the same struggles we face in Newburgh. He knows how government can best alleviate the affordability crisis that bedevils working families. For that reason, he’s the best person to represent us in the State Senate.”
Lee said she was concerned about the endorsement process, alleging that the Working Families Party endorsed Menist before many voters had an opportunity to fully evaluate all candidates in the race, including “Black and Brown women seeking the same office.”
“Democratic voters deserve a fair and transparent process that evaluates every candidate on qualifications, record and vision,” Lee added. “This election should be about results, accountability and who is prepared to fight for the communities of Senate District 39. Voters deserve leaders who will listen to residents, confront difficult issues and work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for every community they serve.”
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