Democrats scored major victories across the Hudson Valley on Tuesday, with incumbent U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan winning a decisive reelection victory, state Sen. James Skoufis and Assemblyman Christopher Eachus retaining their seats, and Democrat Lisa Kaul defeating Republican incumbent Rob Rolison in one of the region’s most closely watched state Senate races.
Ryan, a Democrat who represents New York’s 18th Congressional District, easily defeated 29-year-old Republican challenger Jackie Auringer, leading 63% to 35% in the vote count.
Ryan, a former Army intelligence officer, technology entrepreneur and Ulster County executive, has represented the Hudson Valley district since 2023. His campaign focused heavily on opposition to the Trump administration, with Ryan pledging to fight to repeal tariffs and end the war with Iran.
Speaking at his election night watch party, Ryan characterized the results as a decisive statement about the direction of the country.
“The people just sent a resounding message, and it’s just like we did, I would argue, 250 years ago. We asserted that we have the power to determine our future — not a king or a president and certainly not a trillionaire,” Ryan said. “We have the power to build a more perfect union, to defend the American Dream, to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.”
Ryan called on Democrats to pursue an aggressive legislative agenda if they regain control of the House of Representatives.
“Now is not the time to nibble around the margins. Now is certainly not the time to write one more sternly worded letter of frustration. It is the time to go big,” he said.
Among the priorities Ryan outlined were removing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, ending the war in Iran, reversing Republican health care cuts, expanding Medicare and cutting off federal funding for President Donald Trump's Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
He also called for breaking up monopolies, providing tax cuts to middle-class families, banning congressional stock trading, imposing a lifetime lobbying ban on former members of Congress and establishing term limits for Supreme Court justices and members of Congress.
Kaul unseats Rolison in District 39
In one of the Hudson Valley's most competitive state Senate contests, Democrat Lisa Kaul defeated Republican incumbent Rob Rolison to capture the 39th Senate District.
Kaul received 55% of the vote, ending Rolison's tenure representing the district.
Her campaign emphasized affordability issues, including housing costs, health care and utility bills. She also ran on a progressive platform that included rent protections, public power, progressive taxation and opposition to federal immigration enforcement policies.
“This victory belongs to the people of the Hudson Valley and to everyone who believed in our vision and helped make it possible. I ran for the State Senate because our communities deserve leaders who will stand up for them and fight for a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. I am deeply honored by the trust voters have placed in me and grateful for the opportunity to represent them in the New York State Senate," Kaul said in a statement released Wednesday. “This campaign was built one conversation, one door and one community at a time. I am profoundly grateful to our volunteers, supporters, labor partners, elected officials, community organizations, donors and campaign team. To my family, thank you for standing by me every step of the way. This achievement belongs to all of you."
Kaul also thanked Rolison for his decades of public service to the Hudson Valley—as a firefighter, police officer, mayor, and state senator.
"While we have not always agreed on the issues, I know he loves the Hudson Valley and has always sought to do right by the communities he served," she said. " I wish him well."
Rolison acknowledged the results and congratulated Kaul.
“While tonight's results are not what we had hoped for, I am incredibly grateful to the people of the Hudson Valley who have placed their trust in me and given me the honor of serving them,” Rolison said in a statement.
He thanked his family, volunteers and supporters, and said his commitment to the region would continue despite the election outcome.
“Throughout my time in public service, I have always believed that putting people over politics, working across party lines and doing what is right for our communities matters more than any political agenda,” Rolison said.
Rolison also congratulated his son, Chris, on winning reelection to the Dutchess County Legislature, representing District 23. He said he had spoken with Kaul and congratulated her on her victory.
Skoufis, Eachus return to Albany
In the 42nd Senate District, Democratic incumbent James Skoufis defeated Republican challenger Jennifer Figueroa and Conservative candidate Joshua Blumenthal, capturing 60.3% of the vote.
Skoufis, who represents Orange County and surrounding communities, celebrated the victory Wednesday morning.
“I'm both humbled and thrilled to continue representing Orange County in the State Senate,” he posted. “It is a privilege representing our community and I'm getting right back to work for EVERYONE.”
Skoufis said he would continue working across party lines and representing Democrats, Republicans and independent voters.
In the 99th Assembly District, Democratic incumbent Christopher Eachus won reelection with 68.2% of the vote, defeating Republican-Conservative challenger Richard A. Vargus.
Republican-Conservative Brian Maher was unopposed in the 101st Assembly District, while Democrat Jonathan Jacobson was unopposed in his bid for a fifth term representing the 104th Assembly District.