Freshman N.Y. Republican Finds 'Kindred Spirit' in 6th District Democrat

A young, newly-elected Republican Congressman from upstate New York said she has found a “kindred spirit” with the young, newly elected Democratic Congressman from the North Shore.

U.S. Rep.-elect Elise Stefanik (R-New York) told the editorial board of the Post Star newspaper on Monday that she met U.S. Rep.-elect Seth Moulton (D-Salem) in Washington, D.C. during a recent orientation for incoming House members. The two are both Harvard University graduates.

“While we didn’t identify any particular issues, I found him a kindred spirit and am really looking forward to reaching across the aisle,” she told the paper, which is located in Glens Falls, north of Albany. “I imagine we can find efforts we can partner on.”

Moulton is a Marblehead native now living in Salem and Marine veteran who served four tours in Iraq. He defeated five-term incumbent U.S. Rep. John Tierney (D-Salem) and two other challengers in the primary and Republican Richard Tisei of Wakefield in this month’s general election.

Stefanik, from Willsboro, N.Y., represents the 21st Congressional District in New York, which includes 12 counties in the mostly rural northeast corner of the state to the north and west of Albany, bordering Vermont and Canada.

Moulton will represent the sixth Congressional District, which includes 39 cities and towns on the North Shore and north of Boston, stretching from Salisbury and Newburyport in the north to Lynn and Swampscott in the south. From east to west, it stretches from Rockport to Bedford, including North Reading.

Stefanik, 30, and Moulton, 36, will be two of the youngest members of Congress when they are sworn in Jan. 6.