Stephen Hunter, a longtime Orange County resident and human resources professional, has announced his candidacy for the District 16 seat in the Orange County Legislature. The district, located in the Town of Newburgh, includes the neighborhoods of Middlehope, Fostertown, Leptondale, Orange Lake, Chadwick Lake, River Road and Roseton.

Hunter, a progressive Democrat, was born in Newburgh and raised in Orange County. He has more than 20 years of experience in human resources, focusing on workplace equity, employee development and organizational effectiveness.

“Public service is at the core of our democracy,” Hunter said. “We need leaders who are truly acting in service of the people they represent, not themselves. As county legislator, I will be a strong voice for our community, focusing on affordable housing, public transportation and creating economic opportunities for working families.”

Hunter is challenging incumbent Leigh Benton, who has held the seat since 1998.

“After nearly three decades with the same representation, District 16 deserves a fresh perspective and active leadership that addresses our community’s evolving needs,” Hunter said.

His campaign priorities include:
• Housing: Supporting inclusionary zoning policies and tenant protections to increase affordability.

• Public transportation: Expanding bus service to underserved areas and improving access to shopping and employment centers.

• Economic development: Creating partnerships between county agencies, local employers and community colleges for job training programs, shifting focus away from warehouse development.

• Environmental protection: Strengthening environmental impact restrictions on new developments and protecting green spaces.

• Public health and safety: Expanding mental health crisis response teams, addressing staffing shortages and supporting youth development programs.

Hunter serves on the board of directors for the Orange County Land Trust. He earned a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Boston College and a master’s degree in organizational psychology from Columbia University.

“I’m committed to making our local government more responsive, transparent and effective in meeting the needs of young people, working families and seniors,” Hunter said. “The future of Orange County depends on fresh leadership that will actively work to address these issues while ensuring our county government serves all residents.”

Hunter has been endorsed by the Newburgh Democratic Committee, the Orange County Democratic Committee and the Working Families Party.
For more information, visit www.hunterfororangecounty.com or contact mail@hunterfororangecounty.com. Hunter is also on Facebook at facebook.com/stephenhunteroc, Bluesky at @hunterfororangecounty.com and Instagram at @hunterfornewburgh.