POUGHKEEPSIE – Attorney Kyle Van De Water who ran as a Republican for Congress against incumbent Antonio Delgado (D, NY-19) died unexpectedly on Tuesday.
In July of 2021, the 41-year-old had announced that he was planning to challenge the incumbent again in 2022.
At the end of August, Van De Water seemingly dropped out of the race and used social media to announce his decision. On August 27, Van De Water, who had moved from Millbrook to Hyde Park, said, “I have been truly humbled by and will be forever grateful for all of the support I have received these past few years. It has been an honor getting to meet so many of you as I traveled across the district. Unfortunately, circumstances in my life have changed and I am no longer able to give 110 percent towards this endeavor. For the good of the party, and the district, I have decided to withdraw my candidacy. I look forward to vigorously and enthusiastically supporting the GOP candidate in 2022.”
Town of Poughkeepsie Police responded to a report of a “man down” at the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. Police located the man later identified Van De Water. Police sources say that the death is being investigated as a likely suicide.
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said Van De Water “was a war hero who put his life and well-being on the line for his country. We owe him, his family, and all of our brave servicemen and women everything for the sacrifices they have made.”
The county executive said to all the servicemen and women “who struggle upon returning home and anyone who may be struggling with this news, please know that help is always available to you.”
He said in Dutchess County, “if you are in crisis, call or text our Helpline at 845-485-9700, or walk into our 24/7 stabilization center at 230 North Road in Poughkeepsie.”
Democratic Congressman Antonio Delgado, who defeated Van De Water last year, said his death “is tragically felt not only on an individual level, but also nationally, as far too many veterans across our country are going without the support and care that their service to our great land undoubtedly necessitates. We can and must do better.”
Delgado said to reach the Veterans Crisis Line, call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.
