Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan (D-Gardiner) has filed a notice of substitution to be the new Democratic candidate for Congress in NY-19.

Ryan is seeking to replace Rep Antonio Delgado (D-Rhinebeck) who is leaving Congress to become New York’s new Lieutenant Governor. Delgado will take the oath of office in the coming weeks, replacing former Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin, who resigned last month in the face of federal public corruption charges.

Ryan would likely square off against Republican Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro who has been actively campaigning for the seat.

Residents may not have to wait for November for that to happen. Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to call for a special election to fill the seat.

The 19th Congressional District Delgado represented includes portions of Dutchess, Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, and Ulster counties and parts of Broome, Montgomery, and Rensselaer counties.

Ryan has reportedly filed a notice of his run as he explores his options, while Molinaro has actively been campaigning since Delgado took over for Benjamin.