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Democrats in Ulster County achieved a historic victory by flipping five long-held Republican legislative seats, gaining a super-majority in the county legislature. This shift is seen as a repudiation of Republican politics both locally and nationally. Legislative Majority Leader Abe Uchitelle remarked, "I think that voters generally are fed up with it," emphasizing the dissatisfaction with Republican policies.
According to Mid-Hudson News, the election results indicate a strong turnout favoring Democrats, who energized their base, while Republicans faced low participation. Republican Minority Leader Kevin Roberts acknowledged the setback, stating the need for the party to regroup and improve.
The new Democratic super-majority is expected to accelerate policy initiatives in areas such as housing, climate change, economic development, and social services. Uchitelle expressed confidence in the team's ability to address future challenges, stating, "I now feel confident that we’ve got the right team in place in the legislature to deal with it, whatever it is."
The shift in Ulster County is part of a broader trend across the Hudson Valley, where Democrats have claimed significant victories. Democrats also made gains in Dutchess County, flipping control of the legislature for the first time since 2008.