Frank Cardinale wins fourth term as Dem chairman

KINGSTON, N.Y. Frank Cardinale has fended off a challenge by Kingston Democratic Chairman Joe Donaldson to secure a fourth term as chairman of the Ulster County Democratic Committee

Cardinale bested Donaldson by a weighted vote of 5,246-4,101 at the county committee’s reorganizational meeting on Sept. 27, according to Ashley Dittus, the committee’s secretary.

Because Donaldson gave up his position as the Kingston Democratic chairman to take on Cardinale, his defeat means he will no longer hold a leadership post in the party.

Cardinale declined to comment on the challenge but said it was “reassuring to know more people think you’re doing a good job than who don’t.”

“What was most rewarding was that the people people I work with on the town committees, the town chairs, all supported me,” he said.

Donaldson could not be reached for comment.

A lifelong Kingston resident, Cardinale served as city Democratic chairman from 2010 to 2012. He was elected to the county Democratic leadership post in 2012, 2014 and 2016 before winning another term last month.

Donaldson was elected city Democratic chairman in 2012, to succeed Cardinale. City Democrats elected former Alderman Matt Dunn and Amiee Peterson as the city committee’s co-chairs.

In addition to re-electing Cardinale, the county committee last month tapped Gladys Figueroa over incumbent Karen Markisenis for the position of vice chairman.

Dittus was re-elected secretary, and Andrew Zink was elected treasurer, succeeding Tim Gay, who opted to not run again for the position.