It's Official

Early this morning, Will Yandik formally announced his candidacy for New York's 19th Congressional District. The press release making the announcement follows.

After earning the full endorsement of the Columbia County Democratic Committee on Saturday, local farmer, environmental leader, and Livingston Deputy Town Supervisor Will Yandik announced his campaign for Congress in New York’s open 19th Congressional District.

“I am running for Congress because this is my home,” said Yandik. “I love these communities and our way of life, but the dysfunction in Washington is making it harder for families in Upstate New York to get ahead. We need a member of Congress who understands our communities and will focus on getting results for this district.”

Yandik was born and raised working his family’s farm in Columbia County. After earning degrees from Princeton and Brown and working on environmental policy, he returned home to manage the family’s Green Acres Farm, which grows a variety of sustainable fruits and vegetables and operates a popular roadside stand and bakery. Yandik is a leader in the Hudson Valley Smart Energy Coalition and is the first-ever Democrat to serve as Deputy Town Supervisor in Livingston.

“I have a record of bringing people together to take on tough challenges and get things done,” continued Yandik. “That’s the approach I will take to Washington to solve local problems and help families right here get ahead. I am so grateful for the encouragement I’ve received from every corner of the district and the support folks have offered. People are ready for solutions.”

In the two weeks since Yandik opened a committee to explore a run for Congress, his campaign has received more than $200,000 in contributions from local residents throughout the district, along with endorsements from the Columbia County Democratic Committee, the Greenport Town Democratic Committee, the Livingston Town Democratic Committee, and dozens of local elected officials, rank and file Democratic activists, and community leaders.

“The Columbia County Democratic Committee endorsed Will Yandik by acclamation, and we are pleased and proud to be the first County Committee to vote to send our local family farmer to Congress,” said Committee Chair Peter Bujanow.

“Will Yandik is the right person to serve this community in Congress,” said Marion Mathison, a Milan Councilwoman in Dutchess County. “Will is one of the sharpest and hardest-working people I’ve met and he just flat-out cares about folks in this region. He will bring a tremendous energy to the campaign and the job.  We need Will representing us in Washington.”

At this point, Yandik faces a likely primary with Fordham University Law Professor Zephyr Teachout and would face Long Island-native and lobbyist John Faso or New York City business owner Andrew Heaney in the general election. “I have great respect for Zephyr Teachout’s passion for reform and we share many of the same positions,” said Yandik. “But I’m running for Congress because I was raised to step up and help my neighbors when they’re in need and this is an opportunity to do just that.”

Yandik launched a website at Will4Congress.com and has been meeting with local leaders in all 11 counties.  His campaign will announce more endorsements in the coming days.