MIDDLETOWN, N.Y.—Sitting Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) and challenging Republican candidate Jackie Auringer are officially head-to-head to represent New York in the House of Representatives for the Nov. 3 general elections.
Ryan is the incumbent representative for New York’s 18th Congressional District, which covers all of Orange County and much of Dutchess County, as well as the New Paltz, Poughkeepsie, and Saugerties areas.
The district has a population of 791,202 and covers 1,863 square miles, according to Census data.
This is Ryan’s third campaign to represent the congressional district, after beating Republican challengers former state Rep. Colin Schmitt in 2022 and former police officer Alison Esposito in 2024.
Ryan won by about 4,000 votes in 2022 with just over 50 percent of the ballots, and by more than 50,000 votes in 2024 with 57 percent support.
Auringer and Ryan are both natives of Kingston in Ulster County.
Auringer is a newcomer to politics who wants to represent the people of her home, make living more affordable, and cut taxes and regulations. Ryan’s campaign focuses on fighting corporations, protecting access to abortion, keeping communities safe, and addressing climate-related issues.
Ryan Campaign
The announcement for Ryan’s reelection bid on July 12 was attended and supported by major New York Democrats, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, New York 10th Congressional District hopeful Brad Lander, and state Sen. Michelle Hinchey.
“Pat has become a trusted friend and adviser, someone I call upon to just understand what is happening at his level, what he’s seeing and hearing in Washington and in this community,” Hochul said.
Ryan said he would work for a more affordable future for New Yorkers. “We’re fighting for a future where one paycheck is more than enough, the dream of owning a home isn’t so far out of reach, a trip to the grocery store doesn’t leave a hole in your pocket, and everyone can get the healthcare they need at a price they can afford.”
Ryan is a West Point graduate and Iraq War veteran, where he served as a U.S. Army military intelligence officer from 2004 to 2009.
He later worked for Palantir Technologies in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2011 and served as the Ulster County executive from 2019 to 2022.
This year, Ryan introduced the No Funds for Iran War Act, which would prohibit the use of additional money for military action against Iran without Senate approval or an official declaration of war.
He also introduced a federal pro-abortion bill, advocated for cleaning up chemicals from around the Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, and he has opposed Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the region.
Auringer Campaign
Auringer’s campaign page reads, “I am not a career politician. I do not owe favors to party bosses or special interests. I am running because this is my home, these are my people, and I know what is at stake.”
She has received endorsements from several New York Republicans, including Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), who represents Rockland and Putnam counties.
Lawler said Auringer is “exactly the kind of common-sense leader the Hudson Valley needs,” and that she’s “a problem-solver who understands how to deliver real results for New York.”
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) said that Auringer “comes from the real world, where people have to balance budgets, meet payroll, solve problems, and get things done.”
Auringer is a Lutgert College of Business graduate and works as a project manager and accountant for her family’s construction business.
Her father is the CEO of several construction-related companies, namely U.S. Crane and Rigging, Urban Precast, Auringer Aggregates, and Newburgh Iron. These businesses are mostly based in Kingston, and operate in the Tri-State area and Florida.
Auringer wants to bring her outsider, non-politician perspective to her constituents, as well as her experience in business and her belief in growth that supports communities, not outside interests.
“Pat’s Promise Clock” is a prominent feature of her campaign website, featuring a clock counting the seconds from when Ryan made an X post on July 15 in which he said he would dump the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, an Israeli lobbying group for pro-Israel policies.
Ryan voted against sending $3.3 billion in military aid to Israel on July 15, and followed it up by saying on X, “I expect groups like AIPAC will not support me in my future elections and frankly, I don’t want their support.”
The 18th district has changed over time but has leaned Democrat. The last Republican elected in the district, Bill Green, served from 1978 to 1983.
