Putnam’s Wilson eyes Stefanik’s seat

Mach's Market Business Spotlight

Putnam Supervisor Darrell T. Wilson has announced his candidacy for the 21st congressional district seat, soon to be vacated by recently re-elected representative Elise Stefanik, who has been nominated to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Wilson is a long-time Army veteran who has received the Granville Republican Committee endorsement. He is also seeking the endorsement of the surrounding county committees.

Wilson told NYVT Media he has been approached by a number of Washington County GOP officials about seeking the post and after conversations with his family, decided to “give it a go.” Wilson added that when he decides to do something, “I am all in.”

Wilson admits he has a name recognition challenge, not really being known around the expansive district and being supervisor of the smallest town in the county.

Assemblyman Chris Tague of Schoharie has expressed his interest in running for the seat, as has Amsterdam businessman Anthony Constantino, who gained notoriety for his large “Vote for Trump” atop his Sticker Mule business location.

Considered an odds-on favorite for the nomination, should he decide to seek it, is State Sen. Dan Stec of Queensbury, whose 45th district encompasses a large portion of the 21st Congressional map.

Wilson has said if he is unsuccessful in his bid, he will fully support whoever is the Republican candidate.

Democrat Paul Collins of Canton (St. Lawrence County), who was defeated by Stefanik in the November election by a nearly two to one margin, has expressed his candidacy to run again. Many other Democrats in the district have also indicated their desire to run.

Once Stefanik tenders her resignation, Gov. Kathy Hochul has 10 days to call a special election, which must take place within 80-90 days. Because of the compressed schedule, there are no primaries. Instead, the county chairs of the respective parties will caucus and pick a candidate.