Democratic district leaders and candidates from across Putnam County gathered Sunday, Aug. 30, to mark the opening of the party’s 2026 coordinated campaign headquarters in Mahopac.
The office is part of the New York State Democratic Party’s effort to turn out voters for Democratic candidates across the state, with a particular focus on competitive congressional districts such as New York’s 17th District.
“We appreciate the governor and the state party’s investment in Putnam County as a critical part of this critical election cycle,” said Jennifer Colamonico, chair of the Putnam County Democratic Committee. “Putnam is a pivotal part of the 17th Congressional District as well as both state Senate districts that represent part of our county. Our Democratic voting power is growing in Putnam, and this year it could change history by helping flip the House and change the face of Putnam County government.”
The office was filled to capacity Sunday, with supporters from all six Putnam towns attending to meet candidates and participate in canvassing and door-knocking efforts.
According to party officials, the 17th Congressional District has been among the leading congressional districts in the country in the number of canvass launches and voter contacts at this point in the election cycle.
Cait Conley, the Democratic nominee for the 17th Congressional District, headlined the event and spoke about her campaign’s efforts in Putnam County.
“We are building a ground operation in Putnam the likes of which have never been seen before,” Conley said. “The campaign that you are waging here in Putnam is emblematic of what we need to do across the country … turning out Democrats everywhere, unifying the party, not dividing us … and talking to voters of all parties who may not share our party, but if they share our values, they can join us because our values are American values.”
State Sen. Pete Harckham also addressed the crowd, focusing on the importance of grassroots organizing for Democratic electoral success.
“Blue waves don’t happen; they are made one door at a time,” he said. “And all over this country we are seeing Democrats win in places they haven’t won before.”
Harckham also pointed to policies enacted under the Democratic majority in the state Senate, including fully funded Foundation Aid for schools, gun-violence prevention and red flag laws, and investments in clean water.
Conley and Harckham were joined by Brett Yarris, the Democratic candidate for Putnam County executive, as well as candidates running for the County Legislature, county coroner and the state Assembly.
“Can you guys feel it? We haven’t felt this in a long time in Putnam,” Yarris told the crowd. “We are on the verge of history, right here in this county.”
Conley, who said she has gotten to know the people of Putnam County over the past several years, also threw her support behind Yarris.
“I believe we are going to see, for the first time in Putnam, a Democratic county executive, because Brett Yarris is an incredible human and an incredible leader who will not be outworked,” she said. “He is doing this because he cares.”
The Mahopac campaign office will be open most days, with organizers conducting phone banks and door-to-door canvassing efforts as well as holding meetings and events. The headquarters will also have lawn signs for Democratic candidates on Row A and other campaign materials.
Article provided by the Putnam County Democratic Committee
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