October 5, 2026 – The Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trades Council (HVBCTC) will be rescinding our endorsement for Assemblywoman Sarahana Shrestha.
We came to this decision after several conversations with our brothers and sisters in labor, such as IBEW Local 320, who represents hundreds of union workers at Central Hudson. Assemblywoman Shrestha’s efforts to municipalize utilities creates significant uncertainty for the men and women whose livelihoods depend directly and indirectly upon the utility industries continued investment, construction, maintenance, and infrastructure programs.
Assemblywoman Shrestha recently stated that her proposed government-takeover of utilities in the Hudson Valley is a “test project” that can serve as the model for a statewide takeover. Hudson Valley residents deserve affordable and reliable energy, not politicians who use us as an experiment for their statewide ambitions. A system as fragile as the energy grid is not something to play games with, especially when it comes at the expense of jobs and reliability. Our leaders should be focusing on supporting working families, not experimenting with our energy system.
Energy grids aren’t meant to be political. They require steady and unglamourous investment in maintenance and modernization that should not be beholden to politicians’ campaign schedules. Our leaders need to let utility experts handle what they’re best at, providing reliable power to New York families.
Assemblywoman Shrestha also recently opposed the build-out of nuclear energy in New York. HVBCTC cannot support that position. Nuclear energy projects create union jobs and a more reliable energy grid for New Yorkers.
“Across the Hudson Valley, the unionized construction industry is modernizing infrastructure to deliver the reliable, affordable energy New Yorkers need,” said Todd Diorio, President of the Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trades Council. “We need leaders in Albany that stand with them. Assemblywoman Shrestha has turned her back on working families and supported initiatives that don’t align with our values. We can’t stand behind her.”
This decision should also send a clear message to elected officials throughout the Hudson Valley: a strong labor voting record, while important and appreciated, does not by itself guarantee the endorsement of HVBCTC. We will take into consideration where elected officials stand on projects that create employment opportunities for our members, especially if that policy causes unnecessarily delays, restrictions, or stalls for responsible construction and economic development in the Hudson Valley.
Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trades Council
HVBCTC is a coalition of 28 labor unions representing building and construction trades in the Hudson Valley. Together, this council works to advocate for fair wages, safe working conditions and growing union jobs.