2026 Candidates
The first step in our effort to return government to the people is to elect candidates to office who will adhere to the Conservative Principles outlined on the Home Page. To achieve that, we endorsed the following candidates who have either proven themselves worthy by past actions or have shown promise for future actions.
For Governor —
Bruce Blakeman is a lifelong New Yorker, a father, husband, and public servant who knows how to lead, and WIN.
As Nassau County Executive, he was re-elected in 2025 by 12 points in a Democrat-leaning county by doing what Albany won’t: keeping communities safe, cutting taxes, and putting common sense first.
He fought sanctuary policies, rejected mask mandates, stopped boys from playing in girls sports, and made Nassau the safest County in America while hiring hundreds of new police officers.
A 9/11 Port Authority Commissioner and two-term County Executive, Bruce has led through crisis and delivered results. He’s built the blueprint to beat Kathy Hochul, and he’s ready to put New York First.*
*Information taken from candidate's website
https://www.blakemanfornewyork.com/
https://www.romesentinel.com/news/madison-county-sheriff-todd-hoood-republican-governor-bruce-blakeman/article_8205a774-525b-45fa-9673-f8dc716c5b62.html
For Lieutenant Governor —
Sheriff Todd Hood is Bruce Blakeman’s running mate for Lieutenant Governor of New York. A career law enforcement leader, he brings more than 30 years of experience protecting communities and strengthening public safety. Born and raised in Oneida, New York, Todd began his career in corrections and graduated from the Mohawk Valley Police Academy in 1991. He went on to serve more than two decades with the Syracuse Police Department and later worked as an investigator with the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. In 2018, he was elected Sheriff of Madison County, where he leads more than 170 sworn officers and staff and oversees countywide law enforcement operations. As candidate for Lieutenant Governor, Todd Hood is focused on keeping New Yorkers safe and delivering strong, proven leadership statewide.*
* Information taken from candidate's website.
https://www.blakemanfornewyork.com/
https://www.romesentinel.com/news/madison-county-sheriff-todd-hoood-republican-governor-bruce-blakeman/article_8205a774-525b-45fa-9673-f8dc716c5b62.html
For Attorney General — Saritha Komatireddy
Saritha Komatireddy is a respected former prosecutor, national security expert, and public servant with a career devoted to upholding the rule of law and protecting Americans.
After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Saritha pursued law school and has spent over a decade prosecuting leaders in Al Qaeda, ISIS, and the Mexican drug cartels. As a federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of New York, she led some of the nation’s most high-profile cases involving international terrorism, cybercrime, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, fraud, and foreign public corruption. Her cases have impacted individuals and communities across New York State, from New York City and Long Island to Buffalo and Rochester.
Saritha also served as Chief of Staff of the Drug Enforcement Administration, a 10,000-person global law enforcement agency.
Saritha has argued before federal courts, led national security investigations, and advised on matters of foreign affairs, criminal law, and cyber policy. She has been recognized with multiple Attorney General’s Awards and national law enforcement honors for her work protecting American communities and advancing justice.
Saritha graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Law School, and began her legal career as a clerk for then-Judge Brett Kavanaugh on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. She later served as Counsel to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Today, she is a Partner at Holtzman Vogel and teaches at Columbia Law School. She is a proud mother of four.*
* Information taken from the candidate's website
For Comptroller — Joseph Hernandez
Joseph Hernandez is an American entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and visionary leader in biotechnology, healthcare, and advanced technology. A Cuban refugee and the son of a political prisoner, he fled the grip of communist rule at the age of seven, arriving in the United States with nothing but hope and a determination to build a better life.
A proud product of Florida public schools, Joseph earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, a Master of Science in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, and an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from the University of Florida. He later completed a Master of Science in Chronic Disease Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Yale University and a Master’s in Global Healthcare Leadership at the University of Oxford.
Over the course of his career, Joseph has founded, invested in, and led more than a dozen biotechnology, healthcare, and technology companies. He has taken multiple companies public on the NASDAQ and New York Stock Exchange, ringing the opening and closing bells at both exchanges numerous times, a testament to his track record of building transformative organizations and delivering results for investors.
He currently serves as the Founder and Senior Managing Partner of Blue Water Venture Partners LLC, where he continues to invest in innovations that improve public health, accelerate scientific discovery, and address critical human diseases.
His professional journey began at Merck & Co. and continued at Affymetrix in Silicon Valley, where he oversaw the launch of a dozen groundbreaking diagnostic technologies. At Digene Corp, Joseph helped advance commercialization for the first FDA-approved test for human papillomavirus (HPV), a major milestone in cancer prevention and early detection, which led to the company’s acquisition by Qiagen.
Joseph is the proud father of three children: Alexander, 18; Sebastian, 14; and Estella, 11, whose futures continue to inspire and motivate his work every day.
Joseph’s love for America knows no bounds. He feels deeply indebted to this nation and to the American people who opened their arms to a young refugee and gave him the chance to dream, build, and succeed.*
* Information taken from candidate's website
For NYS Senate, District 41 — Patrick Sheehan
Age: 53; Marital Status: Married; Children: 3; Occupation: Realtor & Business Owner; Union Affiliation: SAG/AFTRA Lifelong resident of the 103rd Assembly District. Resident of Ruby, Town of Ulster, where his family has owned property since 1911. Born in Kingston, NY (Ulster County); Grew up in Rhinebeck, NY (Dutchess County).
Education: Juris Doctor, 1999 Bachelor of Arts, 1993 Regents Diploma, 1988 Albany Law School, Albany New York Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts J.A. Coleman H.S., Hurley, New York
Business Experience: President, PS Realty SVCS Corp. 2018 – Present President, Kingston Marine Corp, 2020 – Present President, Ruby Navy Corp, 2022 – Present Owner, Patrick Sheehan & Son Contracting 2009 - 2011 Economic Development Experience: Committeeperson, Town of Ulster Economic Development Committee, 2010 - 2015 Director of Business Development, Ulster County Development Corporation, 2008 – 2009 Criminal Justice Experience: Legislative Liaison/Past Chairman, Ulster County Criminal Justice Council, 2005 - 2015 Investigator, Dutchess County Medical Examiner’s Office, 2012 – 2014 Investigator, Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office, 2008 – 2009 Criminal Law Associate, Queens County District Attorney’s Office, 1999 - 2001 Student Assistant District Attorney, New York County District Attorney’s Office 1998 – 1999 Legal Aide, New York State Attorney General’s Office Organized Crime Task Force (ALB/W.P.) 1997 - 1998 Criminal Prosecutions Bureau (ALB) 1996 - 1997 Investigative Training: Essentials of Firefighting (1988) Cause & Origin Investigations (1989) Fire Scene Photography (1989); Auto Crime Investigations – NYPD (2000); North East Gang Investigators Training (2001); Aquatic Death and Homicidal Drowning Investigations (2013); FDNY/OCME Subway Mass Fatality Forensic Investigation (2013) NYS DCJS Interview/Interrogation Training (2013) Firematic Service: Commissioner President Firefighter First Responder Firefighter Ruby Fire Department, Ruby, New York, 2008 – 2012 Ruby Fire Department, Ruby New York, 2004 – 2006 Ruby Fire Department 2001- 2022 WTC 9/13 - 16/2001 Rhinecliff Fire Department 1988 – 2001 Patrick Sheehan 103rd A.D. Candidate Conservative/Republican Committee to Elect Patrick Sheehan P.O. Box 8 Ruby, NY 124
For Assemblyman, 103rd District — Santos M. Lopez
CAMPAIGN PROFILE
Dedicated public servant, U.S. Navy veteran, and community leader running for the New York State Assembly in the 103rd District. Brings 30+ years of military, public-affairs, and executive leadership experience. Recognized on the floor of the New York State Assembly multiple times for service to veterans, Filipino-American communities, and statewide cultural initiatives. Proven ability to bridge government, military leadership, and private-sector innovation to deliver results for New Yorkers.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
• Veteran of the U.S. Navy, New York Guard, and ongoing U.S. Military support roles • Chief Advertising & Public Affairs Chief – U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Albany • Chief Marketing Officer – Orange County Choppers, leading national media projects • Recognized by the New York State Assembly for community, cultural, and veterans' leadership • Experienced public speaker, strategist, and legislative advocate • Lifelong commitment to constitutional service, beginning with Sea Cadets and JROTC
MILITARY SERVICE
• U.S. Navy – Hospital Corpsman (1986–1992), awarded the Naval Achievement Medal • New York Guard – Medical & Training Support (1995–2005) • U.S. Army – Advertising & Public Affairs Chief (2022–Present)
LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER — ORANGE COUNTY CHOPPERS (2018–Present) • Oversees global branding, media, and strategic partnerships for a globally recognized American brand. • Directs TV production integrations for OCC’s 25th Anniversary and America 250 initiatives. • Leads product placement, national sponsorships, and audience engagement exceeding 250 million viewers. CHIEF OF ADVERTISING & PUBLIC AFFAIRS — U.S. ARMY RECRUITING BN ALBANY • Leads media operations, influencer engagement, and strategic communications across the Northeast. • Developed battalion-wide social media strategies expanding public reach and recruitment effectiveness. NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER — SITOUR USA • Expanded national-level sponsorships across major U.S. ski resorts and hospitality markets.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
• Proclamation – New York State Assembly (multiple recognitions) • Naval Achievement Medal • Multiple Federal & State Commendations • Global Kindness Award • Candidate for Saugerties Town Board, Ulster County Legislature, and NYS Assembly
COMMUNITY & ADVOCACY WORK
• Co-sponsored Filipino Day at the New York State Capitol • Organizer of veteran events, Jeep community outreach, and humanitarian programs • Advocate within veterans’ organizations and cultural heritage communities • Leader in farm education initiatives, youth programs, and regional community events
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s Degree — Marist College • Certified Electroneurodiagnostic Technician • Advanced Search & Rescue Instructor • PADI Open Water Diver • Licensed Amateur Radio Operator • BMW, Chevrolet, and Volkswagen Product Specialist Certifications
Saugerties, New York • 845-399-7970
U.S. Navy Veteran • Public Affairs Leader • Chief Marketing Officer • Community Advocate
For Ulster County Legislator, District 3 — Jason Kovacs
I am a lifelong resident of Ulster County. Since 2004, I have practiced law here in Ulster County. For more than 20 years, I have worked at a Kingston law firm, focusing my practice on real estate, trusts and estates, and municipal law. I am admitted to practice law in both New York and Pennsylvania.
It has been an honor to serve as your Ulster County Legislator since 2024. I currently serve as Deputy Chairman of three Legislative Committees: Laws & Rules, Housing & Transportation, and Public Works & Capital Projects. During my time in the Legislature, I have worked hard to bring greater oversight, accountability, and common sense to county government. I have focused on issues ranging from emergency services, financial transparency and government ethics to ensuring that county agencies and departments are accountable to the taxpayers they serve. I am especially proud of standing up for taxpayers and advocating for responsible spending that keeps Ulster County affordable while protecting the quality of life that makes our community such a special place to live and raise a family.
I am also proud to serve as a municipal attorney for two towns in the Mid-Hudson Valley. That work has reinforced my strong belief in local government, local solutions, and the importance of practical leadership that is responsive to the people it serves.
Community involvement has always been important to me. Over the years, I have served as a library trustee, a Cub Scout Den Leader, and a Saugerties AYSO soccer coach. I am also a member and Past President of the Ulster County Bar Association.
I am proud to have received the support of the Conservative Party and remain committed to working with people throughout our towns and county who share the goal of making Ulster County more affordable, accountable, and responsive to the people who live here.
For U.S. Congress, District 18 — Jackie M. Auringer
I am watching the place I call home become increasingly unaffordable for the people who built it. Families and seniors are struggling to stay, younger generations are questioning whether they can build a future here, and local businesses are being squeezed by rising costs, taxes, and regulations.
I am running for Congress because the Hudson Valley deserves a representative who understands what people here are facing and will put their interests first. I am not a career politician, and I do not owe favors to party bosses or special interests. This is my home, and I know what is at stake.
The Hudson Valley deserves leadership that listens, stands up for our families and small businesses, and brings people together to move our communities forward. I believe we can make our region more affordable, create greater opportunity, strengthen our local economy, and ensure the next generation can build their future right here at home.*
Information taken from the candidate's website
For much more information, see:
https://winwithjackie.com/about