At their March 1 full county meeting, the Dutchess Democrats overwhelmingly endorsed Karen Smythe (D-Red Hook) as their preferred candidate for New York’s 41st Senate District seat currently held by Sue Serino (R-Hyde Park).
Two candidates sought the committee’s endorsement. Smythe, a newcomer to local politics, was born and raised in Poughkeepsie. After working as a marketing executive, Smythe ran her family’s construction business, C.B. Strain & Son. Also seeking the endorsement was Joel Tyner (D-Clinton) who serves in the county legislature.
The final margin was 83% to 17% in favor of Smythe. The Putnam County Democrats had already endorsed Smythe ahead of the meeting.