North Country Leader

Senator Mark Walczyk has announced the defeat of Bill S4588, which aimed to postpone the special election in New York's 21st Congressional District until November. The bill was scheduled for a vote but is now considered defunct.

“This is a victory for all residents of the 21st Congressional District,” said Senator Walczyk. “The defeat of Bill S4588 means that our community will not be denied its rightful representation in Congress. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has served the people of NY-21 with relentless distinction. As she moves onto the United Nations as our country's Ambassador, our communities deserve to have their voices heard. We will continue to keep the pressure on Governor Hochul to call a special election, so they have a new rep in the House of Representatives. Thank you to all the people who signed our petition - your engagement made a significant difference."

Walczyk expressed gratitude towards Assemblymembers Barclay, Blankenbush, Smullen, Gray, Walsh and Simpson for their support. He emphasized their united stance against what he described as an attempt to undermine democracy and representation.

“I’d like to also thank Assemblymembers Barclay, Blankenbush, Smullen, Gray, Walsh and Simpson for their advocacy. We stood united against this attempt to undermine our democracy and representation. This bill undermined the very foundation of our republic and the principle of representation upon which our government is built. As this victory is celebrated, I will remain vigilant to ensure that another scheme to leave 776,971 people without representation does not rear its ugly head in the future. Today, the citizens won.”

The focus now shifts towards urging Governor Hochul to initiate a special election promptly.