Collins ends bid, joins Hinchey’s campaign
Democrat Jeff Collins of Woodstock said Sunday that he’s ending his bid for the 46th New York Senate District seat being vacated by Republican George Amedore of Rotterdam, and is throwing his support behind fellow Democratic candidate Michelle Hinchey of Saugerties, daughter of the late U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey.
Collins, who founded of the Hudson Valley Sudbury School, said in a press release that he’ll join Hinchey’s campaign as a volunteer policy adviser, working to flip the senate seat to the Democrats in the 2020 election.
Collins had announced his candidacy in late summer; Hinchey announced her bid about a month later at the Senate House State Historic Site in Kingston.
Democrat Gary Greenberg
of New Baltimore, a child victim’s advocate, announced he was entering the race on Dec. 12.
Greenberg served as an Albany County legislator and county Democratic committeeman before moving to Columbia County and then to Greene County.
So far, there is no Republican candidate in the district, which includes parts of Albany, Schenectady, and Ulster counties and all of Montgomery and Greene Counties. Amedore announced earlier this year that he will not seek re-election.
“I commend Jeff Collins for his commitment to improving the lives of Upstate New Yorkers,” Hinchey said in a news release. “I am proud to have his support and welcome him to our team. Jeff brings a lifetime of experience in business, agriculture and advocacy. Our region has the opportunity for new representation and ideas to grow our local economy and create jobs, champion women’s issues, strengthen our infrastructure and improve access to affordable healthcare and housing.”
Hinchey said she’s “excited for the support our
campaign continues to receive and to keep engaging with the communities across the 46th District.”
“I have had a chance to get to know Michelle and her intelligence, passion, and commitment to making a difference in the district and the state is clear,” Collins said. “Working together to ensure we win this critical seat is the best path forward for the district.
“I want to thank my supporters and encourage them to join me in my strong support for Michelle and my continued commitment to flipping Senate District 46.” Collins added. “I know that she will be a fierce advocate for the issues that matter most to our communities, including fixing our healthcare system, promoting local family farms and protecting our natural resources.”