GHENT–With the counting concluded, the final tally in the race for the 106th Assembly District confirms that incumbent Democrat DiDi Barrett has won a second full term. The race was extremely close, and while Ms. Barrett claimed victory over Republican Challenger Mike Kelsey after the polls closed on Election Night, November 4, the final determination could not be verified until the absentee and military votes had been opened and counted.
Mr. Kelsey conceded defeat late last week.
Democratic Columbia County Election Commissioner Virginia Martin said Tuesday, November 25, that the final results in Columbia county had Ms. Barrett winning by 5,684 to 5,667 for Mr. Kelsey. Mr. Kelsey won the machine vote but Ms. Barrett outpolled him by 703 to 358 in absentee ballots. The last ballots were counted Tuesday afternoon.
Ms. Barrett said in a statement issued last week, “Anyone who thinks that their vote doesn’t matter need only go through an absentee ballot count like this to understand that absolutely every vote does make a difference. I thank all the people of the 106th Assembly District for the honor of representing them in the New York State Assembly for a second full term. I promise to continue to be your full time legislator, fighting for our beautiful Hudson Valley region and our hardworking families, farmers and small business owners. I look forward to catching up with each of you soon at a Diner Stop near you!”
The 106th Assembly District includes the City of Hudson and the Columbia County Towns of Ancram, Claverack, Clermont, Copake, Gallatin, Germantown, Ghent, Greenport, Livingston and Taghkanic plus nine towns in northern and central Dutchess County stretching south to the Town of Poughkeepsie.
