CHESTER – Brandon Holdridge’s age, 26-years-old, was a topic of discussion for many of his detractors during his run for Town of Chester supervisor last fall.
“You look 12-years-old,” they told Holdridge, a Democrat. “I can’t believe you are running.” Holdridge told them simply: “Give me 10 minutes and I think you will consider you otherwise and give me a chance.”
His approach seemingly worked.
Holdridge, a 2015 Monroe-Woodbury graduate, won the election in a landslide over an incumbent – 1,607 votes to 970 – and has kept the momentum going early in his four-year term.
“A lot of people challenged my youth, but I think a lot of people are fed up with the old boys club style of politics,” said Holdridge, who turns 27 in July. “I think my age gave people hope as somebody who would bring new ideas to the table and plenty of people were excited. I think most people are happy with the job I have done so far.”
Holdridge admits he still has critics. However, he said Chester, with a population of approximately 12,000 residents, has already seen an increase in efficiency and morale. Holdridge has focused on tightening up Chester’s budget, preserving open space and acquiring EMS coverage for the town.
Holdridge previously worked in the offices of Senator Jose Peralta, Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney and Senator James Skoufis. He is now viewed as an up-and-comer in Orange County’s Democratic party.
“Brandon started in my office as an intern and returned to my constituent services team last year,” Senator Skoufis said. “From the start, it was clear he was a driven individual with a bright future ahead of him. Smart and capable and conducted himself with a professionalism beyond his years. I know that Brandon is dedicated to the people of the Town of Chester. He ran because he wanted to ensure they were well-represented, with a Supervisor who was looking out for their best interest. And by electing him, that’s just what they got.”
As for his future political plans, Holdridge said that he plans on running for re-election as Town of Chester supervisor in 2027 at the ripe old age of 30.
“I think the town deserves stability and I would like to continue to be the source of that,” Holdridge said. “I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.”
