NY-21: Why Democrats think they actually have a shot at Stefanik's seat

[RandySF]

Last edited Wed May 20, 2026, 06:31 AM - Edit history (1)

Democrats have only held a North Country congressional seat for five years since the Civil War, but a homegrown candidate, Republican infighting and President Donald Trump’s flagging popularity are giving them hope for another shot.

Party officials said at the recent spring meeting of the Democratic Rural Conference that they’re adding candidate Blake Gendebien to a statewide coordinated campaign designed to expand the party’s congressional delegation.

Participation in the coordinated campaign means Gov. Kathy Hochul will direct state party resources to open offices and hire canvassers in the district, said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand during the meeting in Saratoga Springs. Two years ago, the coordinated campaign helped defend vulnerable Democratic incumbents and elect U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen on Long Island.

Gillibrand said it would give Gendebien, a dairy farmer, a major boost. She met privately with the candidate and his wife and walked away thinking of her own long-shot bid two decades ago that ousted John Sweeney from his seat in New York’s 20th District.



https://gothamist.com/news/why-democrats-think-they-actually-have-a-shot-at-stefaniks-seat

[Justice]

1. I grew up in that area. Full of MAGA

The only people I know who aren’t MAGA are the ones who left, as I did.

[Cha]

2. I know one person who stayed, and

she;s on DU.

[Cha]

3. Yes, things have changed a bit since

Strfanik lorded over District 20, spewing Fascist gaslighting

Best of Very Good Luck with the new Energetic Dynamic

[Rhiannon12866]

4. Stefanik represents NY-21, she inexplicably won when moderate Democrat Bill Owens retired

I went to the meetup when Rep. Owens introduced his chosen successor and I liked him a lot, made GOTV calls for him. The only reason that I can come up with that Stefanik won was because there was an outspoken Green Party candidate. When she took office there were protests at her headquarters and she refused to publicize her schedule since protesters would show up.

And the last time she made a public appearance, up north in Plattsburgh, she was boo'd off the stage. I'm relieved to finally see the last of her and I'm hoping that we have a strong Democratic candidate this time. When we were District 20, I really liked the Democratic candidate, Scott Murphy, who was not only local (Glens Falls), but spoke incredibly well and had clear progressive values.

I worked on both of his campaigns since his headquarters was local. The first was a Special Election to replace Kirsten Gillibrand when Governor Paterson appointed her as senator to replace then-Senator Clinton who President Obama appointed as Secretary Of State. He won the Special Election, but lost the second. I can't help wishing that he'd give it another try, but last I heard he was in New York, though he still owns his large house on Glen Street in Glens Falls. *sigh*

[The Wizard]

5. She's a vile cretin who

will say anything to please her master.

[Bumbles]

6. I grew up in Saranac Lake, NY, and was one of only two declared Dems in my 1960 graduating class.

In 1974, my father ran for the seat Stefanik has held. He would be horrified! He lost by a narrow margin and regretted not making "one more factory closing" or "having one more rally." Passing Stefanik's campaign office in my hometown is one of the few times in my life I've felt like spitting, raging and breaking glass. I'm very impressed by Gendebien, as would my father be.,