State Senator James Skoufis – who has represented much of the Hudson Valley in either the Senate or Assembly since 2013 -- announced last weekend that he will make a bid for chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Since then, he has appeared on several national news shows, and in national publications, talking about his desire to help return the Democratic Party to its respected national status.

Skoufis, 37, lives in Cornwall. He started his political career on the Woodbury Town Board, and currently represents the state’s 42nd Senate District, which covers most of Orange County.

Speaking directly to his current constituents, on Monday Skoufis said: “As I look to inject some Orange County common sense into the Democratic Party while running for DNC Chair over the next two months, I remain as committed as ever to being the strong voice our constituents deserve in the State Senate. No matter the outcome of the race, I’ll always fight for them.”

He continued: “What last month’s elections taught us is that the Democratic Party of today has lost its way and no longer adequately represents the working-class values it has historically fought so hard to advance. I’ve spoken to so many voters who admit to not even knowing what the Democratic Party stands for, let alone acknowledge the party is looking out for their interests.

“I got into public service to help solve the real issues facing New Yorkers – growing an economy that works for real people, investing in working families, and ensuring our communities are safe – and that’s exactly why we keep winning in our red district that Donald Trump most recently won by a 12% margin; we won by 14%,” Skoufis said.

“I’ve decided to run for chair of the Democratic National Committee because our party needs an outsider to fix its problems - not a DC insider or product of machine politics. We’ve tried that over and over and look at where it’s gotten us,” he added. “Far too often, our party sounds like its running candidates for university chancellor, more worried about speaking in academic, politically correct terms than fighting for the priorities of Americans. I’m running to restore the Democratic Party to its working-class base, one that welcomes people under a big tent - not one that kicks those who dare disagree to the curb.”

At the national level, Skoufis is quoted as saying: “I may be an outsider, but I know how to win. I will throw out the DNC’s stale, Beltway-centered playbook so that we rebuild, stop ceding ground to Republicans and start winning again -- everywhere. Not just the party, but the country depends on it. We can win this fight together.”

Jaime Harrison, the current chairman of the DNC, is not seeking a second term. Others, including former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, a current vice chair of the DNC, and the Wisconsin Democratic Party chairman, are also reportedly seeking the position.

The election of the DNC chair will take place in Maryland on February 1. Also to be elected are other DNC positions -- vice chair, treasurer, secretary and national finance chair. There is a petition process within the DNC to be on the ballot for the various roles.

There are about 450 members of the DNC, elected by the states and territories, who vote.