Trump, Ashby, Stefanik Win

Staff Report

FORT EDWARD - Rensselaer and Washington Counties saw strong Republican support on Election Day across local and national races, with GOP candidates winning majorities in many contests. That said, New York State passed Proposition 1, the Equal Rights Amendment, a measure that received mixed support locally. Here is a round up of this year’s major national and local races.

Presidential Race

Donald J. Trump and JD Vance led in both Rensselaer and Washington Counties. Trump garnered 45,678 votes (55.2%) in Rensselaer County and 16,897 votes (60.6%) in Washington County, defeating Democratic candidates Kamala D. Harris and Tim Walz, who received 37,045 votes (44.8%) and 10,985 votes (39.4%) respectively in these counties. Nationally, Trump reclaimed the presidency, driven by a campaign focused on economic and security issues.

U.S. Senate Race

Incumbent Democrat Kirsten E. Gillibrand was challenged by Republican Michael D. Sapraicone. Sapraicone led in Washington County with 14,902 votes (54.56%) to Gillibrand’s 12,285 votes (44.98%) and in Rensselaer County with 42,123 votes (52.5%) over Gillibrand’s 37,987 votes (47.3%). Libertarian Diane Sare received 128 votes (0.47%) in Washington County. While Gillibrand retained her seat statewide, the close margins locally reflect shifting sentiments among rural voters.

U.S. House of Representatives

In New York’s 21st Congressional District, incumbent Republican Elise M. Stefanik won re-election with 210,099 votes (62.32%) district-wide, including 17,250 votes (62.65%) in Washington County. Her Democratic opponent, Paula Collins, received 127,039 votes (37.68%) across the district and 10,284 votes (37.35%) in Washington County.

Appearing on CNN’s Election Day in America, Congresswoman Elise M. Stefanik celebrated her re-election and the larger Republican victories. “This was an overwhelming victory for President Trump,” she said. “We the People made our voices heard, and you can see a new, big tent Republican Party.” Stefanik highlighted Trump’s success with a diverse range of voters: “He made historic gains among African American voters, Latino voters, women voters, Asian American voters, [and] Jewish voters.” She pointed out that in every county across the U.S., Kamala Harris underperformed compared to Joe Biden in 2020, while Trump exceeded his own 2020 performance.

“The top two issues for voters were the economy and the border,” Stefanik noted. “President Trump day in and day out presented his message of how he was going to grow the economy, crush inflation, and secure the border. His America First message appealed across party lines.”

Looking to the future, Stefanik expressed optimism about the Republican presence in Congress, saying, “We’re very optimistic that we will not only hold the House, but that we will pick up seats… We’ve already had two pickups in Pennsylvania. Of course, there were three losses in New York, but that was an overall win for us.” She added that a “unified Republican government” would allow for a stronger focus on border security and “America First economic policies.”

One of the losses she mentions happened in the 19th Congressional District. Iincumbent Congressman Marc Molinaro, in a tight race in his district, provided an update, saying, “As it stands, we trail by 3,500 votes and there are over 12,000 absentee and affidavit ballots that have yet to be tallied. These ballots will decide the race, and we have to be sure every legal vote is counted. Whatever the result ends up being, I will accept it and am beyond grateful to my family, friends, and supporters.” Molinaro assured his constituents he remains committed to delivering for them, adding, “I’m looking forward to delivering for our communities, and as always, I promise to do my best!”

New York State Senate

In the 43rd District, State Senator Jake Ashby (R) won re-election with 79,749 votes (54.91%) over Democrat Alvin Gamble’s 65,480 votes (45.09%), with 98% reporting. Ashby carried Rensselaer County with 45,123 votes (57.0%) compared to Gamble’s 34,045 votes (43.0%). Expressing his appreciation, Ashby said, “Our decisive win tonight proves that Capital Region voters want candidates who bring people together, who deliver tangible results, and who detail a positive vision for real change.”

In the 45th District, Daniel G. Stec ran unopposed, receiving 7,441 votes in Washington County. He issued a statement saying, “Serving as your state Senator is a privilege. Thank you for voting to re-elect me to the Senate. A lot of work needs to be done to address the failing policies we’ve seen from the governor and her allies, and I’m ready to keep fighting and working on your behalf. ”

New York State Assembly

In the 107th District, Republican Scott H. Bendett secured re-election, winning 38,893 votes (53.11%) over Democrat Chloe E. Pierce, who received 34,341 votes (46.89%). Rensselaer County contributed 22,456 votes (55.0%) to Bendett’s total, while Washington County added 2,290 votes (58.34%). In a statement, Bendett expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thanks everyone. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve for another two years. Politics is a tough business, but when the contest is over, it is time to be gracious. Congratulations to my opponent on having the courage to run.” Bendett thanked his family, friends, staff, and volunteers, adding, “The leadership team in RensCo is amazing, and I am very grateful for their support.”

In the 113th District, Democrat Carrie Woerner narrowly retained her seat against Republican Jeremy Messina, securing 35,859 votes (54.73%) to Messina’s 29,662 votes (45.27%) with 97% reporting. Woerner carried Washington County by a slim margin, with 3,803 votes (50.16%) to Messina’s 3,779 votes (49.84%). Woerner issued a statement on Facebook, writing, “I am honored to have once again been entrusted by the people in the 113th Assembly District to represent you in Albany. I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue working on your behalf to find thoughtful and practical solutions to the challenges our communities, families and businesses face. Thank you for believing in me. And I will work hard every day to make you proud.”

Greenwich Town Justice

In the closely contested Greenwich Town Justice race, Republican Steven Patrick emerged victorious with 1,501 votes (56.26%) over Democrat Rachel Clothier, who earned 1,167 votes (43.74%).

Local Races in Rensselaer County

Rensselaer County saw additional key races, including the re-election of County Executive Steve McLaughlin (R), who won with 46,789 votes (58.0%) over Democrat Gwen Wright’s 33,912 votes (42.0%). For Sheriff, Republican Kyle Bourgault was elected with 45,678 votes (57.5%), defeating Democrat Brian Owens, who received 33,789 votes (42.5%).

Statewide Proposition 1: Equal Rights Amendment

Proposition 1, passed statewide with 4,483,452 votes (61.8%) in favor and 2,766,881 votes (38.2%) against. Despite its statewide approval, the amendment received mixed support locally. Washington County voted 54.59% against it, while Rensselaer County showed a narrower split, with 50.5% voting in favor and 49.5% opposed.