Contenders lining up for Larkin’s senate seat

NEWBURGH – Now that State Senator William Larkin has confirmed retirement at the end of the year, the contest begins in the race for a successor.
Stony Point Town Councilman Thomas Basile, a Republican like Larkin, has said for several months that should the veteran lawmaker retire, he would seek the GOP nomination. He called Larkin “a true American Hero and a selfless public servant.”
Republican Orange County Legislator Michael Anagnostakis may enter the race. “I shall spend the next week or two consulting with family members and loved ones about any future career moves,” Anagnostakis said. “Try as some may, nobody will just walk into Orange County and be coronated as the Republican candidate. Rather, I am confident that Republican primary voters will – for the first time in nearly three decades – have the final say as to who their candidate will be in November.”
Among Democrats, Assemblyman James Skoufis has been mentioned as a Senate candidate. Following Larkin’s announcement on Thursday, Skoufis released a statement. “Today is about honoring Senator Larkin. Over the next two weeks, I’ll discuss my options with family, supporters, and key stakeholders before making a decision about this year’s election.”