KINGSTON – Michael Kavanagh, the Republican candidate for Ulster County district attorney has conceded the election meaning Democrat David Clegg is the new DA.
“I am fully confident after the legally required hand recount of all ballots that all valid votes have been counted,” Kavanagh said it a statement on Thursday. “I have instructed my legal team to withdraw all objections and to discontinue all legal proceedings.”
Clegg said he is “thrilled, excited and relieved” that the race has been resolved and he expects to take the oath of office by Friday.
The opioid crisis will be one of his top priorities working with the opioid task force to set up diversion programs, assist in the opioid court and providing people with public health issues rehabilitation versus criminalization.
Kavanagh had served as chief assistant district attorney under the retired DA Holley Carnright. Clegg said he did not expect Kavanagh to stay on in the office.
The race between Clegg and Kavanagh was a dead heat prompting recounts and court challenges.
