Election Season Heads into the Final Stretch

We are officially heading into the final stretch of the 2026 election season, with Election Day coming up on November 3. Across the Hudson Valley, there are a number of races worth watching, including the Putnam County Executive race and the contest for New York’s 17th Congressional District.

For voters, the other important piece of the election calendar is early voting. New York’s nine-day early voting period begins October 24 and runs through November 1, giving voters an opportunity to cast their ballots before Election Day.

Putnam County Executive Race

The Putnam County Executive race has turned into a three-way contest between incumbent Republican Kevin Byrne, Democrat Brett Yarris and Conservative candidate Tatiana Brahimi.

The candidates have already participated in two public debates, including a September 30 debate hosted by the Putnam County Press/Times and an October 1 debate at the Mahopac Library.

The debates have focused heavily on some of the issues important to residents across the county, including taxes, affordability, county finances, economic development, education and workforce development.

Byrne has emphasized his administration’s record on county finances, including reducing taxes and county debt. His proposed 2027 county budget calls for a $229 million spending plan and a $6.5 million reduction in the property-tax levy.

Yarris has focused on affordability, education and workforce development, including proposals for additional educational and trade opportunities in the county. Brahimi has emphasized government efficiency and her priorities as the Conservative candidate.

With Election Day less than a month away, voters will have additional opportunities to hear from the candidates before making their decision.

NY-17 Congressional Race

The race for New York’s 17th Congressional District is another one to watch closely here in the Hudson Valley.

The district includes Putnam and Rockland counties, most of northern Westchester and portions of southern Dutchess County. Republican Congressman Mike Lawler is seeking another term against Democratic challenger Cait Conley.

Lawler and Conley recently participated in a televised debate covering a wide range of issues, including the economy, housing affordability, taxes, immigration, data centers and national politics.

Affordability was a major theme of the debate. The candidates also disagreed over data-center development in the Hudson Valley and immigration policy, while also drawing distinctions over their respective positions on national issues.

A recent Emerson College Polling/PIX11 survey showed the race within the margin of error, with 48% of likely voters supporting Conley and 46% supporting Lawler. Seven percent were undecided. The poll also found that the economy was the top issue for voters, followed by threats to democracy, immigration and housing affordability.

Regardless of where voters stand, the NY-17 race is one that will receive significant attention through Election Day, particularly because of the number of Hudson Valley communities represented in the district.

NYC Elections

Early Voting Starts October 24

One of the most important dates for voters to keep in mind is October 24, when early voting begins across New York.

Early voting runs for nine days, through Sunday, November 1.

Voters do not need an excuse to vote early, and they can vote at an early voting location designated by their county or, in New York City, by the Board of Elections.

Election Day

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Whether you vote early or wait until Election Day, there is a lot on the ballot this year. The next few weeks will give voters across the Hudson Valley an opportunity to hear from candidates, learn more about the issues and decide how they want to participate.

For official election information, voters can visit the New York State Board of Elections or their local county Board of Elections.

About the author: Alexander Roithmayr is the Director of Government Affairs for the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS®