Photos of candidates provided courtesy of each candidate’s campaign.
New York State Assembly District 106, home to approximately 138,000 constituents across Columbia and Dutchess counties, faces a pivotal election this year. The race between incumbent Democrat Didi Barrett and Republican challenger Stephan Krakower highlights contrasting approaches to key issues, including affordable housing, energy costs, climate policy and reproductive rights.
Barrett, who has represented the district since 2012, emphasizes her commitment to local concerns, advocating for women’s rights and environmental action while securing state resources for the district. Krakower, a longtime Poughkeepsie resident and practicing attorney for over 25 years, presents himself as a fiscal conservative with deep local roots, prioritizing cutting regulations and making the district more affordable for working families.
“When I went to Albany, my commitment was to bring the voices of my district up to Albany and the resources of Albany back to the district,” Barrett told the Herald in a recent interview. She points to securing funding for Dutchess Community College, local fire departments, and housing initiatives as examples of her work. “Housing affordability is not just an economic issue, but a quality of life issue,” she said. Barrett has been a strong advocate for addressing the district’s housing needs, particularly in rural areas like Pine Plains, where workforce housing remains a critical issue.
Barrett’s focus on housing includes attention to underserved populations, particularly those in manufactured homes, which are prevalent in parts of Columbia and Dutchess counties. “We’ve helped bring attention to the plight of manufactured housing, ensuring protections for tenants and improving living conditions,” she said.
Climate policy is a cornerstone of Barrett’s platform, as she currently chairs the Assembly’s Energy Committee. She has been a staunch supporter of New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, one of the nation’s most ambitious climate laws, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030. “We have to keep working toward decarbonization. Climate change is real, and it’s impacting us every day,” Barrett emphasized, referencing recent weather events that have increasingly affected rural parts of the district, from flash floods to heatwaves. However, she acknowledged that this transition must avoid placing undue financial burdens on residents: “We must ensure the energy transition does not place undue financial burdens on consumers.”
Krakower supports environmental efforts but is wary of overregulation. “I have solar panels on my house. I believe in doing my part,” Krakower told the Herald, “but we need to be careful about adding so many hurdles that it makes housing and living in this state unaffordable for everyone.” He emphasized the need to balance climate goals with practical economic considerations, particularly for families and small businesses in District 106, who are concerned about rising utility costs.
Barrett has been a lifelong advocate for women’s reproductive rights, making it a central issue in this year’s election. “A woman’s right to control her own body is fundamental. I’ve been fighting for this all my life, and it’s always on the ballot,” she stated, urging voters to support Proposition 1, which would enshrine reproductive rights into New York’s state constitution.
Krakower’s platform emphasizes fiscal conservatism and reducing the cost of living for families. Krakower has served in various local government roles, including town justice, deputy supervisor, and town board member. “I care about this community. I’m raising my two daughters here, and I want them to have the opportunity to stay if they choose to,” Krakower said. His campaign focuses on easing financial pressures on residents and ensuring that local voices are heard in Albany.
Krakower said his experience as chairman of the finance committee during his time on the town board informs his approach to the state budget. “We made sure tax revenue was spent wisely and that the town operated efficiently,” Krakower said. He believes the state’s current regulatory environment is making life increasingly unaffordable for residents. “It’s getting harder and harder for people to afford basic necessities like food, housing, and transportation. We need to lower taxes and spend more efficiently.”
Krakower accepts the label of moderate Republican but prefers no label, describing himself above all, as a human being. He acknowledged that as a Republican, if elected, he would be part of the minority in the state legislature. “My thing in going to Albany would be — even if I’m a ‘no vote’ — to clearly articulate why and what it is that my concerns are and try to make whatever happens better.” This pragmatism, he believes, will allow him to effectively advocate for the district’s more conservative voters, particularly on issues like immigration and government spending.
On housing, Krakower advocates for reducing regulations that he argues are driving up construction costs. “We need to cut down on the regulations that are adding tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of building homes,” he said.
Barrett, meanwhile, stressed the importance of voting. “I’m very passionate that people vote. I think that’s really important. I don’t think there’s any space right now for people to say, oh, I just, you know, it’s not that important,” she said. “Every vote matters. Every vote is critical.”