2025: A WHIPLASH YEAR
This year started out tough with the return of MAGA and Trump to the White House. What we didn’t realize then is that we would end the year with election wins and new momentum.
Here are three learnings from that journey.
1. Local elections matter
We can use them to send a message to both Republican and Democratic leadership by supporting Democratic candidates. MAGA Republicans are scrambling to find a message and turn back the tide. We must keep up the pressure in 2026.
2. We can beat MAGA
Despite an attempt to flip our town Republican, we prevailed. Ulster County Democrats flipped 5 county legislator seats and achieved a ‘clean sweep’ of all County positions. Democracy is our bulwark against MAGA’s cruelty.
3. New Paltz is united
Our community showed tremendous unity and came together to fight for our people and our values.
From signing petitions, marching in the streets and turning up to vote in unprecedented numbers, we ensured victory for all of us. Together we can win!
If you want to get more involved in making 2026 a successful midterm, here are the actions you need to take.
Elect Democrats.
Protect our freedoms.
In New Paltz we have two groups of elected officials who serve our local community. These two arms of local government are most commonly referred to as "The Village" and "The Town".
The "Village Board" represents the people who live in the village of New Paltz and the Town Board represents the people who live in the bigger area shown on the map below.
Freedom starts here.
The New Paltz Democratic Committee is the organizing body for the Democratic party across both The Village and The Town.
The New Paltz Democratic Committee works together with other towns and city committees within Ulster County to ensure Democratic candidates are supported and democracy is served.
The pressing issues our neighbors say they are concerned about:
Reducing administration costs so tax rates are controlled and essential services are maintained
Protecting our water supply, rivers and natural environment from contamination, pollution and climate change.
Building an economy that works for everyone — decent jobs, fair wages, housing affordability and labor rights .
Affordable healthcare for all.
Protecting the freedoms and rights of everyone who lives in our community.