Republican businesswoman and Kingston native Jackie Auringer on Monday announced her candidacy for New York’s 18th Congressional District.
Auringer helps lead her family’s construction business, Urban Precast, which conducts projects including housing developments, schools and other critical infrastructure.
Jackie Auringer is running for Congress in New York’s 18th Congressional District. (Photo provided by Auringer campaign)
“I am running for Congress because I am no longer willing to leave the future of my community in the hands of people who have proven they can’t be trusted to act in our best interest,” Auringer said in a statement. “Too many voices here have been drowned out. People are tired of the fighting and the finger-pointing. I’m running to actually get something done for this community.”
Auringer is mounting a challenge to Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan, who is running for reelection to a third full term.
Auringer said her campaign will focus on the high cost of living.
“When heating your home, fueling your car, or keeping the lights on becomes more expensive, everything else follows,” Auringer said. “Families feel it immediately. Small businesses are forced to make tough choices just to stay open.”
Auringer’s announcement comes as another candidate, Sharanjit Thind, announced his withdrawal from the race on Monday, and offered his support for Auringer.
“While I am stepping back from this race, my commitment to the Hudson Valley remains absolute. To ensure our community receives the representation it deserves, I am fully endorsing Jackie Mary Auringer,” Thind said in a statement. “She has the resolve and the record to lead, and I encourage my supporters to join me in backing her candidacy.”
The 18th District is made up of parts of Orange, Dutchess and Ulster counties, and includes the cities of Poughkeepsie and Kingston.