A prominent athlete and crime victim advocate from Saratoga Springs says she will run for Congress in New York’s 21st district next year. Bridie Farrell announced her campaign in an online video Wednesday. The former national speedskating competitor become an advocate for abuse survivors after coming forward about being sexually abused by a 33-year-old teammate and mentor when she was 15. She became a frequent figure at the Capitol in Albany to press for the Child Victims Act, which extended the statute of limitations on abuse claims.
Today, I’m launching my campaign to defeat Rep. Elise Stefanik, and truly represent Upstate New York’s 21st District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
— Bridie Farrell (@BridieForUs) July 21, 2021
Are you with me? Pitch in now: https://t.co/ZvNi35XrOb pic.twitter.com/FWbICbaH4J
Farrell’s campaign kickoff statement accuses fourth-term Congresswoman Elise Stefanik – now the number three Republican in the House — of being focused on her “own gain at the expense of our communities.”
Fellow Democrat Matt Putorti, a lawyer from Whitehall, announced his candidacy for the 2022 midterms in June. Farrell’s campaign says she now lives in North River, in Warren County.
In a statement, Stefanik's campaign said: "“Far-Left New York City Democrat Brigid "Bridie" Farrell only registered in NY-21 just weeks ago - even more recently than Far-Left NYC lawyer Matt Putorti. Our campaign welcomes these radical candidates to the race and to the North Country! Team Elise will continue to make sure voters know there is a clear choice between real results for the North Country and yet another Far-Left New York City Democrat who will rubber-stamp the reckless policies of Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, and Andrew Cuomo.”
