Despite all of the speculation that Ulster County Executive Michael Hein would run for Congress next fall, he announced Friday that he will not be a candidate.
“Although we have accomplished much, there is still a great deal of important work to be done” as county executive, he said. “Ulster County is where my heart is,” he said, noting that is where he was born and raised and lives with his wife, Christine and son, Mickey.
Ulster County Democratic Party Chairman Frank Cardinale said he was not surprised or disappointed to learn that Hein plans to stay put.
“His strength clearly is as an executive. He has demonstrated that and I think that he realized, aside from personal considerations, that he is able to get a lot done as an executive and he has demonstrated that,” Cardinale said.
Hein, who has been the only county executive since the charter form of government was approved by voters, said a run for congress would “undoubtedly provide a tremendous opportunity to serve the extraordinary people of our beautiful 11 county district while focusing on major national issues."
Having said that, Hein noted he is “proud of the strong track record of innovation and transformational initiatives that we have achieved for the people of Ulster County, partnering with Democrats and Republicans alike.”
There will be no incumbent running in the 19th District Congressional race as Republican Christopher Gibson is not going to seek reelection.
