The progressive state Working Families Party has endorsed former White House trade official Dylan Hewitt in the race for New York’s 21st Congressional District, Hewitt announced Tuesday.
The South Glens Falls native launched his bid in September for the Democratic nomination to succeed U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik in the North Country U.S. House seat.
“Big monopolies have rigged our economy and corrupted our democracy, and spineless politicians are protecting them,” Hewitt said in a statement. “From fighting for guaranteed healthcare to lowering outrageous utility bills, the Working Families Party stands with working people — and so do I. As the only candidate in NY-21 who supports Medicare For All and is willing to hold the line against Kristi Noem’s masked agents terrorizing our country, I’m honored to have the WFP’s support in our movement to build a fairer, more affordable future.”
Hewitt said Working Families Party leaders cited his commitment to delivering a home New Yorkers can afford, expanding access to child care, lowering healthcare costs and defending immigrant communities from federal attacks in their endorsement.
The Working Families Party is one of only two third parties – the other being the Conservative Party – that will have automatic statewide ballot access in 2026.
St. Lawrence County farmer Blake Gendebien is also seeking the Democratic nomination for the sprawling North Country seat. Gendebien initially ran for the seat when it appeared Stefanik would be leaving Congress to become ambassador to the United Nations, but her nomination was withdrawn by President Donald Trump earlier this year. He said he would still run for a full congressional term next year.
State Assemblyman Robert Smullen and Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino are running for the Republican nomination for the seat. Smullen last week was endorsed by the state Conservative Party.
The 21st Congressional District is made up of most of the North Country and parts of the greater Capital Region and Mohawk Valley. It is being vacated by Rep. Stefanik, who was initially running for governor, but dropped that bid and will not seek reelection to her House seat.