POUGHKEEPSIE – After losing a re-election bid for a state senate seat in November, State Senator Sue Serino (R-Hyde Park), is being encouraged to run for the office of Dutchess County Executive in November of 2023. The county executive seat is being vacated a year early after current Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro was elected to Congress in November.
Mid-Hudson News asked Senator Serino about the potential campaign for county executive and Serino did not rule it out. “Right now, after eight years in the Senate, I am going to spend some time relaxing with family and friends,” she said. “Several people have asked me to run for the seat but it’s too early to make that decision.”
After serving four terms in Albany, Serino is wrapping up her final month in the state senate.
For eight years, until redistricting changed the district, Serino represented most of Dutchess County in Albany, making her an ideal candidate for some elected officials in Dutchess.
Republican Dutchess County Clerk Brad Kendall, when asked about a Serino candidacy, told Mid-Hudson News, “Sue Serino is a dedicated public servant. We worked closely with the senator and her office during COVID to meet the needs of our constituents.” Endorsing the campaign, Kendall also said, “She will bring that same commitment to the office of county executive.”
Serino began her public service with a two-year term on the Hyde Park Town Board, followed by three years on the Dutchess County Legislature, before being elected to the Senate. “I am fully committed to staying involved in public service, Serino said. “I just need to determine the best way I can serve the residents of Dutchess County.”
Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver (R-Pine Plains), announced in April that he was seeking the GOP nomination to run for Dutchess County Executive. The longtime public servant indicated that he would discontinue his campaign if it would help Serino’s possible run. “I absolutely endorse Sue Serino,” Pulver said. “She is a proven leader and very respected across all of Dutchess County, and is the only candidate that I would set aside my own run for.”
Republican East Fishkill Town Supervisor Nick D’Alessandro implied earlier this year that he was also planning to seek the Republican nomination to run for county executive. When told of Serino’s potential campaign, D’Alessandro responded to Mid-Hudson News that he would call with his decision on Thursday. The town supervisor did not call prior to publication.
