Matt Castelli, one of the two Democrats running to represent the 21st District--and Schoharie County–in Congress beginning January 1–met with about 30 supporters in Middleburgh Friday.
A former CIA officer and Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council under both the Obama and Trump White Houses, speaking three days after 19 children and two teachers were killed by an 18-year-old gunman in Uvalde, Texas, Mr. Castelli said he’s convinced there’s common ground when it comes to passing reasonable gun legislation.
Also running is Democrat Matt Putorti, a lawyer from Whitehall.
The Democratic primary will be held August 23 with the winner facing incumbent Republican Elise Stefanik, who saw her 21st District redrawn under final redistricting maps.
Representative Stefanik’s home in the Village of Schuylerville has been redrawn into the 20th District; she has said she’ll continue to run in the 21st District, which would require her to move.
Congressman Paul Tonko’s 20th District has been redrawn into the 21st District; he’s said he’ll run in the new 20th, which would also involve relocating.
Before redistricting and before he was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor last Wednesday, Schoharie County was represented by Congressman Antonio Delgado.
A special election to fill that seat will likely also be held on the 23rd.
Schoharie County remains in the 19th Congressional District through the end of 2022 and so will continue to be represented by that winner through December 31.
Ulster County Executive Democrat Pat Ryan is running in the special election for Congressman Delgado’s old 19th District seat–before the lines change–but will be running for the 18th District in the fall.
He’s expected to face Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, who’s been campaigning for most of the past year as the Republican challenger to Congressman Delgado, and said he plans to run for the 19th seat in both the special and regular elections.
If you’re confused, you’re not the only one, Democrats said Friday; the most important thing to do is vote.
Mr. Castelli told the small crowd of supporters that it’s because of people like them that the race “just got a lot more competitive” and he promised a “different kind of campaign. One that’s focused on safety and strength” and one that will involve bringing Independents and Republicans onboard as well “because they are our friends and neighbors.”
Mr. Castelli criticized Congresswoman Stefanik for “turning her back on Democracy” and said he launched his campaign after “her lies on COVID…the violent insurrection, and her extremist views.”
Mr. Castelli’s supporters are gathering signatures to put him on the ballot on a second, independent line for the Moderate Party, hoping to draw Republicans who, in a district that’s 30 percent Democrat, 40 percent Republican, and 30 percent independent, “don’t want to vote for Elise Stefanik, but aren’t comfortable voting for a Democrat,” he said.
Answering questions from the crowd Friday, Mr. Castelli said he believes there’s bipartisan support–on the street and in Washington–for responsible gun laws.
“At the end of the day, there should be no more unifying priority than keeping our kids safe,” he said, “but right now, we’re not making the simplest changes.
“We need to respond to the insecurities we’re all feeling. But keeping our kids safe shouldn’t be controversial.”