Shrestha Upsets Longtime Incumbent In Democratic Primary For AD103

ESOPUS , NY — A political newcomer and progressive Democratic candidate has scored a major upset in the primary for Assembly District 103.

With all precincts reporting, Sarahana Shrestha of Esopus received 51 percent of the vote to incumbent Assemblyman Kevin Cahill's 47.5 percent, according to unofficial results. Absentee ballots still have to be counted.

If the vote is certified, she will be facing Patrick Sheehan, who will be on the Republican and Conservative party lines, in the November general election.

Cahill has served for 13 terms and was supported by Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado.

Shrestha, who is a first-generation Nepali-American, was endorsed by U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

She is the Ulster County co-chairwoman for the Mid-Hudson Valley chapter of Democratic Socialists of America.

The 103rd Assembly District is comprised of the towns of Red Hook and Rhinebeck in Dutchess County and parts of Ulster County.