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Democratic Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa has officially launched his campaign for a third term in office. Announced on Sunday (March 8), Figueroa is running unopposed, emphasizing the importance of due process, the rule of law, and public safety in his campaign. He highlighted the need to protect residents' rights amidst federal actions, particularly related to immigration enforcement.
Figueroa first became sheriff in 2018, defeating longtime sheriff Paul VanBlarcum in a contentious election. His platform focused on community policing, treatment over incarceration for low-level offenses, and equitable law enforcement. He ran unopposed in his 2022 re-election bid.
In his tenure, Figueroa has overseen initiatives like the ORACLE program, which pairs social workers with law enforcement to address drug overdoses. He has also enhanced training for officers in areas such as de-escalation and implicit bias.
The sheriff's race will be decided in the general election on November 3, 2026, with party primaries scheduled for June 23. Figueroa plans to seek endorsements from the Democratic and Working Families parties.
The Ulster County Committee and the Republican Committee are set to hold their conventions in February to endorse candidates. As of now, Figueroa remains the sole candidate for the position.