SCHOHARIE — Assemblyman Chris Tague is seeking a term in the New York State Senate, squaring off against Terry Bernardo for the Republican nomination on June 23. Tague has served in the New York State Assembly for the last eight years. We spoke to him about his campaign.

1. What have been your favorite/best accomplishments since joining the State Assembly?

I am proud to have led the effort to get 2% and whole milk back into our public schools. As a former dairy farmer, I know firsthand how important our dairy industry is to New York, and I was honored to work alongside Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and agriculture advocates to help move that effort forward.

Above all, my greatest accomplishment has been being a strong and consistent voice for the hardworking people of upstate New York. Whether it’s supporting our farmers, first responders, small businesses, or working families, I’ve never been afraid to stand up to Albany and fight for the communities I represent.

2. Why run for Senate? Why not stay in the Assembly?

Serving the people of the 102nd Assembly District has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am grateful for the trust they have placed in me over the past five elections.

My friend Senator Peter Oberacker has done an outstanding job representing the 51st Senate District, and I fully support his campaign for Congress. Because the Senate district includes most of the communities I already represent, this is a natural next step and an opportunity to bring the same common-sense, upstate voice to the State Senate.

New York is at a crossroads. Families, farmers, small businesses, and taxpayers are struggling under the weight of bad policies coming out of Albany. I am running for the Senate because I believe our communities deserve a strong, independent voice who will fight every day to make New York more affordable, safer, and more supportive of the people who call it home.

3. What are your two top issues for the district?

Affordability is the single biggest issue facing our district and it comes up in almost every conversation I have with voters. The policies being pushed by the New York City-dominated Legislature are making it harder for families, farmers, seniors, and small businesses to get ahead. New York consistently ranks among the least affordable states to live, work, and do business, and people are feeling the impact every day.

Another major issue is protecting our rural farmland and local communities from state overreach. I've been a leading voice against ORES and Albany bureaucrats overriding local decision-making to push massive solar projects onto prime agricultural land. Thousands of acres of productive farmland are being taken out of production while local residents and elected officials are stripped of their voice. That's wrong, and I'll continue fighting to protect our farmland, our property rights, and local control.

4. How have you been/will be able to navigate a Democratic Party-controlled legislature.

This year, I was proud to be named one of Albany’s most effective lawmakers and the #1 most effective Republican by the Center for Effective Lawmaking. That recognition proves that even in a Democrat-controlled Legislature, you can get results when you’re willing to work hard, build relationships, and fight for your district.

I will always stand up for my values and the people I represent, but I am also willing to work with anyone, Republican or Democrat, when it means making life better for upstate New York. My focus has never been partisan politics. My focus is getting results for the hardworking people I serve.