GOSHEN – The Republican primary to be the GOP candidate for New Windsor Town Supervisor is finally over. After the ballots were hand-counted at the Orange County Board of Elections on Monday, Stephen Bedetti finished with a five-vote victory over Schmitt. The 765-760 final marks Schmitt’s second election loss in a row, following his 2022 run for Congress and losing to Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-18).
On election night, Schmitt had a three-vote lead over Bedetti before the absentee and affidavit ballots were counted.
Town Councilman Stephen Bedetti is officially the Republican candidate for New Windsor Town Supervisor and has been endorsed by retiring Town Supervisor George Meyers. Bedetti, who also serves as the President of the Vails Gate Fire Department was pleased with the outcome. “I have been truly humbled by the support I received in the Republican Primary Election. I would like to thank everyone for their trust in me with their votes,” said the victor. The GOP candidate stressed the importance of public participation, adding “Every single vote matters in our local elections.”
Schmitt took to social media on Monday to concede to Bedetti. “Every vote counts,” he said. “After a hard-fought GOP primary campaign, an extended paper ballot counting process, and intense full hand recount effort we fell a few votes short.”
The race between the two men will repeat in November; Bedetti as the Republican candidate and Schmitt’s name on the Conservative ballot line. No other candidates are on the ballot.
