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Democrats have chosen dairy farmer Blake Gendebien as their candidate for the upcoming special election in New York's 21st Congressional District. The election will be held to fill the seat currently occupied by Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who is expected to be confirmed as the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Once confirmed, Stefanik will resign, and Governor Kathy Hochul will set the date for the special election.
Gendebien, a resident of St. Lawrence County, owns Twin Mill Farms in Lisbon and serves as the Vice-Chairman of Agri-Mark Dairy Cooperative. He was unanimously selected by the Democratic chairs of the district's 15 counties. In his acceptance statement, Gendebien expressed gratitude for the nomination and emphasized his commitment to improving life in the North Country. He stated, "I'm not going to stop working until we win and can make life in the North Country a whole lot better and a whole lot more affordable."
The special election will not include a primary, as party chairs will select candidates. Republicans have not yet announced their candidate, but several individuals have expressed interest. The district is considered a stronghold for Republicans, having elected Stefanik for six consecutive terms.
Ed Cox, New York GOP Chair, criticized the Democratic choice, calling Gendebien a "radical Far Left Democrat" and asserting that Republicans will retain the seat. The special election date will be announced within ten days of Stefanik's official resignation and must occur within three months.