Schmitt launches congressional campaign

By Connor Linskey
Posted 4/14/21

Assemblyman Colin Schmitt (R, C, I, LBT, SAM-New Windsor) joined by family, friends, constituents and community leaders last Tuesday announced his campaign for New York State’s 18th …

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Schmitt launches congressional campaign

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Assemblyman Colin Schmitt (R, C, I, LBT, SAM-New Windsor) joined by family, friends, constituents and community leaders last Tuesday announced his campaign for New York State’s 18th Congressional District 2022 General Election. He made the announcement in front of Montgomery Village Hall, as it is within the municipality he grew up.

“Thank you so much Colin. We’re very proud indeed,” said Stephen Brescia, mayor of the Village of Montgomery. “You’re a native son here and it’s apropo that you make your announcement here… Colin, whatever he does he’s 100 percent all in and I’m sure when he goes to Washington, D.C. he’s gonna show up here [in the Village of Montgomery] unlike the guy that’s there now.”

Schmitt is currently serving his second term in the 99th District of the New York State Assembly. This includes the Orange County towns of Woodbury, Highlands, Cornwall, New Windsor, Blooming Grove, Hamptonburgh, Chester, Goshen and Wawayanda as well as the Town of Stony Point in Rockland County. The 18th Congressional District includes all of Orange and Putnam counties as well as parts of Dutchess and Westchester counties. This district is currently represented by Democrat Sean Patrick Maloney.

Schmitt is challenging five-term incumbent Sean Patrick Maloney who was first elected in 2012.

“As a member of Congress, I will lead the fight against the radical socialist ideology that is driving Nancy Pelosi’s agenda and the liberal policies being advanced by Congressional Democrats,” he said.

Schmitt announced that Orange County Clerk Annie Rabbitt and former New York State Senator from the 40th District Terrence Murphy will serve as co-chairs of his Congressional Campaign.

“Colin Schmitt will be an outstanding Congressman,” Rabbitt said. “I have known Colin since he was in middle school. I saw him grow up here in the Hudson Valley and serve our nation, state and community with distinction in the military and public service. I have served Orange County for many years and know of no one better to stand up for our values and our people than Assemblyman Colin Schmitt, our next Congressman.”

Rabbitt added that she admires Schmitt for his commitment to his constituents.

“You meet many people along the way and many people who serve the community in so many different aspects. You know that you want to go home at night and you want to garden on the weekend and you want to say ‘I’ve done what I’ve done and that’s it,’” she said. “Colin does not have that same interest. On the weekends, his social schedule goes around events that you all want him to be at. He doesn’t take it lightly. He knows how important it is to show up, to listen.”

Outside of his role as assemblyman, Schmitt is a sergeant in the Army National Guard. He served on federal active duty for the COVID-19 relief mission. He and his wife Nikki Schmitt are involved with their family’s third-generation real estate business. Schmitt is eager to get to work on his campaign.

“I believe Washington has to work for the Hudson Valley again,” he said. “The families who live and work in small towns and suburban communities across our district need a strong voice who will bring people together to protect and improve their quality of life. I will work every day to deliver real results for Hudson Valley families and defend our values.”

Brett Broge, Chair of the Orange County Democratic Committee, issued a statement last week calling Schmitt bad for the Hudson Valley and bad for New York’s 18th Congressional District.

“…Colin Schmitt has failed his constituents, voting to cut over $400 million from New York hospitals and against eviction protections, child care, and paid family leave in the middle of the pandemic,” Broge said. “His actions helped incite an insurrection against the United States Government, endangering the lives of police officers and elected officials. We can’t allow a Trump crony and insurrectionist to represent this seat in Congress.”