Democrats strengthened their hold on the Ulster County Legislature in Tuesday's election, expanding their majority from 19-4 to 20-3, while incumbents in several closely watched races in the southern portion of the county held onto their seats.

The results included victories for Democratic incumbents Amy Dooley in Lloyd and Esopus, Dominick Marino in Lloyd and Marlborough, and Laura Donovan in Marlborough. Republican Minority Leader Kevin Roberts also retained his seat in Plattekill, while Republican Richard T. Walls defeated his Democratic challenger in Shawangunk.

Democrats entered Election Day with an advantage, having been unchallenged in 13 of the Legislature's 23 districts. That guaranteed the party would retain control regardless of the outcome in the contested races.

The election featured four rematches, including two in which former Republican legislators attempted to reclaim seats they lost in 2025. Both fell short again.

In District 9, which includes the towns of Esopus and Lloyd, incumbent Democrat Amy Dooley defeated former Legislator Herbert W. Litts III, 1,919-1,434.

In neighboring District 10, covering portions of Lloyd and Marlborough, incumbent Dominick Marino again defeated former Legislator Gina Hansut, 1,766-1,385.

The victories extended Democratic control across the two districts, which had been closely watched following last year's election.

Marlborough incumbents win

In District 11, incumbent Democrat Laura Donovan defeated Republican challenger Nicholas J. Cracolici, 1,783-1,606, securing another term representing Marlborough.

Donovan celebrated the victory while thanking the volunteers, supporters, labor unions and others who helped with her campaign.

She also highlighted what she described as a historic accomplishment for the town: becoming the first candidate to win reelection in a Marlborough midterm election.

"Together, we accomplished something that has never been done before here in Marlborough — winning reelection in a midterm election!" Donovan wrote in a statement.

She also thanked Cracolici for reaching out after the election and for running what she called a fine campaign.

Donovan said she would continue bringing an independent voice to the Legislature and making the needs of Marlborough residents her priority.

"I'll continue to be accessible, to listen, and to show up for every resident of Marlborough," she said.

Roberts, Walls hold Republican seats

Republican Minority Leader Kevin Roberts of Plattekill defeated Democrat Marisa J. McClinton in District 12, 1,496-1,212.

In District 13, Republican incumbent Richard T. Walls defeated Democrat Adrienne Gelfand-Perine, 1,415-1,118, to retain his seat representing Shawangunk.

In District 14, which includes Shawangunk and Wawarsing, incumbent Republican Craig Lopez ran unopposed.

Lopez, who said he has represented the two communities for nearly 15 years, reflected on his service in a social media post.

"For nearly 15 years, I've had the privilege of representing Shawangunk and Wawarsing in the Ulster County Legislature. It's a responsibility I've never taken lightly, and one that means just as much to me today as it did when I was first elected," Lopez wrote.

He said public service is about listening to residents, showing up and doing the work rather than politics or personal recognition.

Countywide results

Democrats also maintained their hold on most of the remaining districts, with several incumbents winning comfortably.

Among the contested races outside Southern Ulster, Democrat Kate Leon narrowly defeated Republican incumbent Jason J. Kovacs in District 3, which includes portions of Kingston, Ulster and Saugerties. Leon received 1,766 votes to Kovacs' 1,723.

Democratic incumbents Michael Berardi in District 4, Joseph Donaldson in District 8 and Lindsey Grossman in District 19 also defeated Republican challengers.

Democrat Ken Stephens won District 21, which includes Rochester and Wawarsing, while incumbent Democrat Robert Drake defeated Republican Peter Friedel in District 22.

All 23 members of the Ulster County Legislature serve two-year terms.

The results are unofficial. Final election results will not be known until all absentee ballots have been returned and counted.