In New York’s deep red 21st Congressional District, dairy farmer Blake Gendebien and businessman Stuart Armoriell are hoping to turn it blue.
“This campaign from the beginning is based on lowering costs,” said Gendebien. “It’s based on saving our rural healthcare. It’s based on securing the border, and it’s based on making sure we end the dysfunction and dishonesty in DC.”
“We’re referring to affordable healthcare, access to healthcare, affordable childcare, access to childcare, affordable housing,” said Amoriell. “These are the things that are hollowing out our communities.”
Only one can make it onto the ballot in November for the Democratic Party in the quest to replace U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik.
The six-term Republican congresswoman announced she wasn’t seeking reelection in December after ending her short-lived bid for New York governor.
“We recognize that it’s a right district,” said Amoriell. “I think with that said, there’s a lot of people these days that are frustrated with the direction of the government. The federal government, and I think that’s going to bring out more people to the polls.”
“It’s about what we can do,” said Gendebien. “It’s not about what we haven’t done. It’s not about what someone else hasn’t done. It’s about the potential that we have here in the North Country.”
Gendebien is primarily backed by agricultural groups, local committees, and the Democratic establishment.
Amoriell is running a largely grassroots campaign and identifies as an “independent Democrat.”
The last time a Democrat represented the 21st District was when Bill Owens was elected in 2009. Owens served two terms before announcing in 2014 that he would not seek reelection.
New York’s primary elections will be held June 23. Early voting runs from June 13 to June 21.