In Key Swing Districts, Citizen Action Backs State Senate Challengers
New York, NY — Citizen Action of New York has announced its endorsement of Assemblymember Kevin Cahill in the 103rd District, Assemblymember James Skoufis in the 39th State Senate District, and Karen Smythe in the 41st State Senate District.
The endorsement committee commended Cahill’s strong record on equitable funding for public education, single-payer health care, and criminal justice reform.
“I am proud to accept the endorsement of Citizen Action, one of the premier community activist organizations in our state,” said Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (AD-103). “We share important priorities like access to affordable health care, ensuring a quality education for every child, creating fair wage jobs and equal opportunity for all, reforming a broken criminal justice system, respecting and protecting our environment, and encouraging civic engagement at all levels. I am grateful for their support and humbled by this endorsement.”
“Kevin Cahill has been a strong progressive voice in Albany, consistently advocating for policies that help working people in the Hudson Valley and protect our local community from attacks at the federal level. We’re pleased to be supporting his re-election campaign,” said Citizen Action member Mary Vandezande.
Karen Smythe is running to unseat Republican Senator Sue Serino. Smythe, a resident of Red Hook, impressed Citizen Action leaders with her support of union rights, single-payer health care, living wage jobs, and immigrant rights.
“I am proud to have earned Citizen Action’s endorsement and I thank these dedicated advocates for supporting my campaign,” said State Senate candidate Karen Smythe (SD-41). “I have been overwhelmed by the hundreds of supporters and donors who have joined my efforts to flip the 41st Senate District from ‘red’ to ‘blue’ and to give the Hudson Valley a new voice in Albany. I will continue to stand up for Hudson Valley families and I am humbled to have the passionate support of so many local voters and volunteers.”
“Karen Smythe is a breath of fresh air in the 41st District. Residents of the Hudson Valley deserve a representative who will put their needs before the profits of wealthy developers and big corporations. Our members look forward to working to get Karen elected,” said Rashida Tyler, member of Citizen Action of New York.
James Skoufis, an Assemblymember in the 99th District, is challenging Tom Badile for the open State Senate seat in the 39th District. Skoufis is a strong proponent of many aspects of Citizen Action’s agenda, including the Campaign for Fiscal Equity (CFE) and the need for campaign finance reform.
James Skoufis, Assemblymember and State Senate candidate in the 39th District, said, “I welcome the support of Citizen Action of New York and their grassroots membership. This crucial race for State Senate is about making New York State fair again for our hardworking residents. We share a commitment to quality public schools, creating good paying jobs, and building strong local economies that will create greater opportunities here in the Hudson Valley.”
“As Senator, James Skoufis will work to ensure that our public schools are fairly funded and children in the Hudson Valley have the opportunity to thrive. He has been an honest and dependable member of the Assembly, and we’re thrilled to be supporting his run for State Senate,” said Lori Rhodell, member of Citizen Action of New York.
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