Another candidate has entered the race to unseat second-term Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. At noon in Saranac Lake, author, entrepreneur and former cable news host Dylan Ratigan formally announced his campaign. News of his interest in the seat was first reported by WAMC. He says he decided to run because he believes there is a huge opportunity to significantly improve the quality of leadership in the country and the representation in the district.
“The obvious issue with this district and most districts in America is the lack of investment and resources in the communities to support the businesses, hospitals, schools and industry that exists. In my specific district you’re looking at things like dairy farming, high performance transportation auto parts, tourism most obviously. All of those assets are lacking in a consistent flow of investment into their greatest potential. The unemployment rate in New York 21 is two times the national average. That is unacceptable. Unlike anybody else in this race based on my deep family history going back to the 1700’s, born in Saranac Lake, raised in Saranac Lake, combined with my expertise in communications and in finance I believe I, unlike any other candidate that’s running in the primary or the incumbent, can bring a level of awareness and investment and possibility into the district that simply is not available with any other candidate.”
Incumbent Republican Elise Stefanik’s campaign spokesperson Lenny Alcivar released a statement via email on Ratigan’s decision to run: "Having yet another candidate enter an already crowded and anemic field is bad news for the rudderless Democratic party. His fellow candidates must be frustrated that local and national party leaders encouraged a television personality to diminish their months of campaigning with this eleventh hour attempt to leapfrog over them. We welcome him to the race, and look forward to continue sharing Congresswoman Stefanik's strong record of bipartisan results on behalf of North Country families and small businesses."
Ratigan joins Democrats David Mastrianni of Schroon Lake, Emily Martz of Saranac Lake, Don Boyajian of Saratoga County, Ronald Kim of Queensbury and Saratoga Springs, Tedra Cobb of Potsdam, Katie Wilson of Keene, Patrick Nelson of Stillwater, Sara Idleman of Greenwich and Tanya Boone from Granville in a primary. Republican Russell Finley of Lisbon in St. Lawrence County is also running.
