Schoharie County Democrats Rally Faithful

COBLESKILL — The Schoharie County Democrats held their annual FDR banquet at Chieftain’s in Cobleskill on the final Tuesday of July. A decades-long tradition, the sold-out event brought together members of the Schoharie County Democratic Committee (SCDC) and more from across the county to mingle, eat, and focus on the challenges ahead for the NY-21 Congressional District, New York State, and the country as a whole. This article follows up on the photos from last week’s edition.

SCDC chairperson Theresa Heary opened the evening by recognizing many of the long-standing members in attendance, including Gail Schaefer, who, notably, under Gov. Mario Cuomo, was the first woman to become Secretary of State in New York. The evening’s theme was “The Future of The Democratic Party” and in addition to Heary, the night’s guest speakers discussed their vision for the party in the wake of Donald Trump’s 2024 victory. 

“Democrats are not slowing down,” said Michelle Frazier. “We are moving forward.” 

Dylan Hewitt, who served as a trade officer under President Biden, followed Frazier at the podium. Hewitt, who had been a candidate in the since-aborted special election to replace Elise Stefanik, criticized the Congresswoman for her cynicism and careerism superseding her dedication to her communities. “Democrats need to be the repairers of the breach,” said Hewitt. 

“It’s time for courage. It’s time to not just be against something, but for something.” 

NY-21 candidate Blake Gendebien was up next. Gendebien, a North Country farmer, joked that he apologized for being so competitive that he was responsible for Stefanik “coming back” (a reference to the Congresswoman’s nomination for U.N. ambassador being pulled due to the threat of Republicans losing the seat). Gendebien was quick to insist that the issues facing the constituents of NY-21 are not Democratic or Republican issues; they are “NY-21 issues.” The congressional candidate cited a north country Republican who, turned off by Stefanik “spewing anger,” favors the Democrat in the race. 

“We have to listen to Trump and Stefanik voters,” said Gendebien. “Don’t try to teach them.” As a farmer and father, Gendebien feels he is the right person to meet the needs of New York’s massive 21st District. And the crowd on Tuesday seemed to agree, as they responded with resounding positivity to Gendebien’s message. 

The final speaker of the evening was Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado. After a long day spent in Schoharie County, visiting with different groups and local figures, Delgado took the podium at the FDR banquet for the second year in a row. However, this year’s speech took a different tone, as Delgado has declared he is planning to run against incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul. After praising the SCDC for its “independent streak,” something the Lt. Governor identified with, he launched into a fiery speech, stressing the fight ahead in the second Trump presidency, and the need for accountability on behalf of the Democratic Party. “Love compels accountability,” waxed Delgado, who explained that it’s his love of people that drives him. In his criticism of the Democratic status quo, he asked: “Why are we so bad that he [Trump] can come back?” Delgado lamented the lack of moral integrity among many of his fellow politicians, who he feels are “too worried about their own future to speak up.”

“They are conserving power at the expense of the people,” he said. “They’re playing a self-preservation game.” “They are thinking politically instead of morally,” an approach that Delgado said “hurts people.” “Where’s the vision?” he asked of those politicians. Acknowledging that many take the path of least resistance and give in to “pressure from the machine,” the former Congressman for the 21st District said, “I can’t wait to feel that pressure. You learn a lot about yourself under pressure.” On the issue of loyalty, specifically in regards to challenging Gov. Hochul, Delgado insisted, “My loyalty is only to the people. I am here to humbly serve you.” In closing, Delgado encouraged the crowd to “fight with love” and to “reset our values” as a country. Delgado received a standing ovation as he thanked the audience and stepped away from the podium. 

For more information about the SCDC, visit schohariedemocrats.org.