MONTICELLO- The race to replace long-time Democrat Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther of Forestburgh has kicked off with candidates from both the Democratic and Republican parties announcing their candidacy over the past several days. Last week Gunther announced that after 20 years in office, she would not seek reelection in November.
Attorney Paula Kay Drapkin of Rock Hill is seeking the Democrat nomination. She appeared before the Sullivan County Democratic Committee earlier this week and received their endorsement.
Three Republicans are vying for their party’s nomination. Camille O’Brien, an aide for State Senator Peter Oberaker, Lou Ingrassia, the commissioner of Public Works in the Town of Wallkill, and Lisa LaBue, the 2022 Republican candidate for the 100th district have all declared their candidacy. On Wednesday evening, O’Brien secured the majority of the Sullivan County party’s weighted vote after all three candidates appeared before the committee.
The 100th district is comprised of most of Sullivan County as well as the Town of Wallkill and the City of Middletown in Orange County. Party leaders in Orange County have yet to formally weigh in on their preferred candidate.
In 2022, Gunther defeated LaBue by just over 4,700 votes and without the incumbent the race, the contests is expected to be one of the more competitive this November.
