Incumbent Didi Barrett will be the Democratic candidate for the 106th Assembly District seat in November’s general election after a primary victory over Claire Cousin on Tuesday, June 25. Barrett received 4,732 votes — a 57% share — to Cousin’s 3,546 — 43% — in the district that includes much of Columbia and Dutchess counties. (These tallies are unofficial and do not include absentee ballots.)
In their campaigns, both candidates made accusations that illustrated a rift evident in other Democratic primaries, between moderates and progressives. Barrett, who chairs the Assembly Energy Committee, defended her record as an environmental advocate against attacks by Cousin, who said that Barrett was too cozy with the fossil fuel industry. Barrett countered that Cousin misrepresented her positions.
In the election’s aftermath Cousin issued a statement to her supporters that was both firm and conciliatory. She wrote: “Together, we showed the Albany political machine that if they don’t start prioritizing our communities over corporate interests, we will fight for the representation we deserve. And, even if it didn’t happen this time, we will win.” Her statement also offered support to Barrett: “I would like to congratulate Assemblymember Didi Barrett on winning this race and continuing the honorable work of representing the 106th Assembly district. I look forward to continuing to work with her office to make this district, which we both love dearly, a place where we can all thrive.”
Cousin had been designated as the Working Families Party candidate in the general election, but that designation will be changing. In response to an inquiry from the Herald, Jonathan Bix, Executive Director and founder of For the Many, an organization significantly involved in Cousin’s campaign, wrote: “Claire will fill out and submit the form necessary to forfeit the WFP line so that Barrett can take her place on it for the general election.”
In a post-election statement to the Herald, Barrett wrote: “As we look to November and the very critical issues at stake, it’s time to work together to protect our planet; ensure safe housing and food security for all our communities; codify our human and reproductive rights; and create career pathways in the new green economy by ensuring child care and transportation for those who need it. I thank the voters of Columbia and Dutchess counties for their support, and look forward to getting back to work for the Hudson Valley!”
The unofficial vote, not including absentee ballots, in towns served by the Herald was as follows:
Ancram: Barrett 127, Cousin 46
Gallatin: Cousin 73, Barrett 66
Milan: Barrett 157, Cousin 64
Pine Plains: Barrett 95, Cousin 70
Stanford: Cousin119, Barrett 108
In the November general election Barrett will face Republican/Conservative candidate Stephan Krakower, a Town of Poughkeepsie town justice.
In the nearby 103rd Assembly District, which includes Red Hook, Rhinebeck and all of Ulster County, progressive Democratic incumbent Sarahanna Shrestha defeated challenger Gabriella Madden by a wide margin, earning 66% of the vote.
Two other local elected representatives, State Senator Michelle Hinchey and Congressman Pat Ryan, did not have primary challengers. In November, Democrat Hinchey will be opposed by Republican Patrick Sheehan and Democrat Ryan will be running against Republican Alison Esposito.