Pat Ryan Declares Victory In CD18; Schmitt Concedes

MID-HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Rep. Pat Ryan will be returning to Washington, D.C., in January — but as a congressman of the brand-new 18th Congressional District.

The Democrat declared victory Wednesday, saying, “I am honored to continue serving you in Congress.

“From day one, we made it clear: our fight is to protect fundamental freedoms and democracy,” Ryan said in a Facebook post. “To deliver relief and results for families. Twice in as many months, we stood together on the side of freedom.”

Schmitt issued a statement that he wished the best for Ryan and hoped he will do great things for the Hudson Valley.

“After a hard-fought campaign the people of our district made their choice and I respect their decision,” he said. “I am proud to have been in the arena fighting for my home community.”

According to unofficial results from the New York State Board of Elections, Ryan received 131,301 votes to Schmitt’s 129,128, with 100 percent of election districts reporting.

Ryan, who lives in Gardiner, won the August special election to fill the vacancy in the current 19th Congressional District caused by Antonio Delgado’s appointment to lieutenant governor. Before the congressional election, Ryan was the Ulster County executive.

His priorities during the campaign for the 18th Congressional District included protecting freedoms, such as reproductive rights for women, and making sure voting rights are secure and investing in a greener future.

Schmitt, who lives in New Windsor, has been an assemblyman since 2018. He previously served as staffer to other Albany legislators. Schmitt also served as well as chief of staff for the town of New Windsor.

His campaign issues include fighting inflation, repealing the cashless bail law and strengthening border security.

The new 18th Congressional District consists of Orange County and parts of Ulster and Dutchess counties.