Food & Water Action Endorsed Sarahana Shrestha Ousts 23-Year Industry-Backed Incumbent in NY Hudson Valley Assembly Race

Game changing primary sends climate champion to November ballot

Categories

For Immediate Release

Last night, Food & Water Action endorsed candidate Sarahana Shrestha won her Democratic primary election for state assembly (AD-103) in the Hudson Valley. Her primary opponent, Kevin Cahill, had been in power for 23 years, taking thousands of dollars in fossil fuel industry campaign donations, and standing as a roadblock to progressive climate policies in Albany.

Sarahana is a staunch supporter of the All-Electric Building Act, Build Public Renewables Act, and a moratorium on fossil fuel powered cryptomining, all of which Speaker Heastie killed last session despite overwhelming public support. A progressive wave of climate activists, led by Sarahana is coming to Albany, ready to listen to the people, not deep pocketed fossil fuel industry lobbyists.

Food & Water Action Hudson Valley Organizer Emily Skydel issued the following statement:

“Speaker Heastie, this is what happens when you don’t pass climate bills. When Heastie killed the All-Electric Building Act, we mobilized. We’ve doorknocked and phonebanked with Sarahana and know full well that she is the progressive climate champion we need in Albany. With only a handful of years remaining to meet our state climate goals, we need to get serious about moving off fossil fuels — Sarahana is helping lead the movement to make it happen.

“The Hudson Valley said no to Danskammer’s fossil fuel power plant scheme last year. This year, we’re taking it one step further and bringing our local climate activism to the state level. We are proud to stand with Sarahana in her fight for a bolder, more progressive New York State Assembly. We’ll be fighting alongside her in November to ensure Speaker Heastie has his directive set on day one of next year’s legislative cycle: climate can’t wait.”

Contact: Phoebe Galt, [email protected]