POUGHKEEPSIE – Sarah Salem had a decisive win against Democratic challenger Mike Young, a former councilman, for the City of Poughkeepsie’s “at-large council seat in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. Salem garnered 176 more Democratic votes than Young and will face Republican Sakima McClinton in November’s general election.
“A lot of hard work went into this campaign and I couldn’t have won this race without the support of my family, friends, my colleagues, and my supporters,” Salem said. “Most of all, I am honored to have been elected by my City of Poughkeepsie community.”
Young had previously served on the common council and was gracious in defeat saying, “Congratulations to Sarah Salem on their win tonight in the Democratic Primary. Thank you to all of the supporters and volunteers who helped with my campaign. We ran a clean campaign focused on city issues and for that, I am immensely proud and grateful.”
For the Second Ward seat being vacated by Salem, three Democrats attempted to get the party’s line for the November race. Evan Menist handily bested both Miles Shadman and Brian McCabe with 61 pecent of the ballots cast. Menist was jubilant Tuesday night, saying, “Thank you to all of my neighbors who came out to vote for me today in the Democratic primary election. I am very grateful for your support, and I look forward to continuing the campaign on our way to another win in November. I am excited for the chance to represent our community on the City of Poughkeepsie Common Council. Congratulations to my opponents on a well-fought campaign.”
In the city’s Fourth Ward, current Council Member Sarah Brannen faced a challenge from Kari Rieser. Brannen was chosen by 69 percent of the voters to be the Democratic candidate on November’s ballot. “I am so grateful for the outcome of this Primary” said Brannen as she congratulated Rieser on a well-run campaign while also thanking friends, family, and supporters for their assistance.
