Candidate Profile: Democrat Julie Shiroishi For Senate District 39

BEACON, NY — In 2022's general election, residents of the Hudson Valley will be voting for state and local officials.

In anticipation, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles before election day Nov. 8.

Julie Shiroishi, 53, of Beacon, is running on the Democratic Party line to represent Senate District 39 against Rob Rolison, who will appear on the Republican and Conservative lines in the November general election.

The newly redrawn Senate District 39 is comprised of the northeast corner of Orange County, most of southern Dutchess County and western Putnam County.

Campaign website

https://www.julie4nysenate.com

Education

Bachelor of Arts

Occupation

Chief of Staff, NYS Assembly

Family

Married with two children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

53

Previous public office, appointive or elective

No

Why are you seeking this office?

I believe the Hudson Valley's best days are ahead, but we need a strong advocate who will fight for us in Albany. I also want to ensure that New Yorkers' rights and freedoms are protected whatever happens at the federal level.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate seeking this post?

I have had a successful career in the private sector and am a working mom with lived experience who understands the challenges working families are facing during these tough economic times.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I am not facing an incumbent, but my opponent claims he has turned the City of Poughkeepsie around. After seven years in office, it's clear that this is not true.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Affordable housing, reproductive healthcare, common sense gun legislation, climate change.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have experience in NY state government and know the role of a legislator and how the Senate works. My experience in the private sector means that I am very solutions-oriented and am accustomed to negotiating challenging situations to reach a shared goal.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Develop gaman, which is Japanese for something like patience and endurance.