Dutchess GOP nominates slate for November with no suprises

February 24, 2023
4:33 am

Former Senator Sue Serino, seeking to be elected Dutchess County Executive.

POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County Republican Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Michael McCormack, held its nominating convention on Thursday night to select candidates for November’s countywide elections. Former State Senator Sue Serino is now the official Republican candidate for County Executive. She will be joined on the ballot by fellow Republicans Brad Kendall, the incumbent County Clerk, District Attorney candidate Matt Weishaupt, and the Honorable Joseph Egitto seeking re-election to his seat on the Dutchess County Family Court bench.

All four candidates were unanimously endorsed by the committee.

“These four individuals are by far the best candidates for the offices they are running for. Experience, Responsibility, Leadership, and Service to their constituents are in each of their beings,” said Chairman McCormack who added, “They are by far the best of the best for the seats they seek. Dutchess County will be in safe and capable hands when they are elected. We are so very fortunate that they have stepped up for their roles in making Dutchess County a better place.”

“After living in Dutchess County for the majority of my life and serving our community as your State Senator, I am honored to be running to be the next Dutchess County Executive,” said Sue Serino. “I know what a special place Dutchess County is, and we need a leader who will continue to put the residents first and come up with solutions that will ease the burden and make it easier to succeed here in Dutchess County. I look forward to building on the foundation set by Congressman Marc Molinaro and working with our neighbors to take actions that will further enhance our community.”

County Clerk Brad Kendall has held his position for 16 years and before that, he served on the county legislature, including time as chairman of the body. In asking his fellow Republicans for their support he said, “For the past 16 years as County Clerk I have worked sanding the rough edges off of the bureaucracy – smoothing the processes of government,” as he identified many of the changes and improvements he has implemented with his team to make the clerk’s office and DMV more user-friendly for those seeking service.

Dutchess County Family Court Judge Joseph Egitto.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Matt Weishaupt, who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the office, is seeking to replace District Attorney William Grady, who is retiring after four decades as the county’s top prosecutor. Weishaupt has been increasing his public profile for the past few months but refrained from officially declaring his candidacy. After receiving the endorsement of the committee on Thursday, the veteran prosecutor said, “I am honored and humbled to be the Republican candidate for District Attorney,” adding, “It is a great responsibility in a challenging time but I believe integrating the office more with the community and focusing on smart, targeted prosecution coupled with treatment, we will be a safer and stronger community.”

The Republicans, by their endorsement, are hoping to keep Judge Joe Egitto as a Dutchess County Family Court Judge, where he has served for nearly a decade. The court’s senior judge was pleased with the endorsement and told Mid-Hudson News, “For nearly 10 years I’ve been honored to serve my community in family court delivering justice in the only way I know, with fairness and compassion for all who appear before me.” Asked why he is seeking re-election, Judge Egitto replied, “I’m seeking another term because I truly love my job and I cherish helping people,” and added “I’m confident my record of public service will resonate with the voters.”