One Dem in, one out in state Senate race
KINGSTON, N.Y. » Democrat Patrice Stong, a Kingston business owner and former aide to state Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, has announced she will run this fall for the state Senate seat currently held by Republican George Amedore.
At the same time, previously announced Democratic candidate Jeff Collins said he’s quitting race in the 46th Senate District and backing Strong.
Strong said in her campaign announcement that she’s running because “I’m concerned about the direction our nation is heading in. We need to make our schools and public spaces safer; counter the unfairness of the federal tax cuts; make health care a human right; push for more green jobs; support manufacturing, small businesses and family farms; and tackle the structural funding problems of our public schools.”
Strong provides technical assistance and energy education to local governments, homeowners and businesses, according to the press release announcing her candidacy. Her clients include the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the Capital District Regional Planning Commission and several engineering firms and colleges, the release said.
Strong said she formally will launch her campaign during an event at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Keegan Ales, 20 St. James St., Kingston.
Collins, in a statement provided by Strong, said he is withdrawing from the race and backing Strong “because I know that she gives us the best chance to enact change in our state.”
Collins, of Woodstock, announced his candidacy just over a month ago.
The 46th Senate District includes part of Ulster County, all of Greene and Montgomery counties, and part of Albany and Schenectady counties. In Ulster County, the district includes the city of Kingston and the towns of Saugerties, Woodstock, Hurley, Kingston, Ulster, Marbletown, Esopus and Lloyd.
Amedore, a Rotterdam resident, first was elected in November 2014 and was re-elected two years later.
He has not formally launched his bid for a third term, but his office said last month said he “fully intends on running for reelection.”