Currently the New Lebanon Town Clerk, Ms. Houghtling was endorsed by the Columbia County Democratic Committee at its Thursday May 24 meeting. The seat is currently held by Republican Jake Ashby of Castletown who won April’s special election to fill the position which became vacant when Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin was elected Rensselaer County Executive. Keith Kanaga, Chair of the Columbia County Democratic Committee, said, “Tistrya brings a wealth of public service and community experience.
Her run for higher office is a natural extension of the terrific work she’s done for the town of New Lebanon.”
Rensselaer County Democratic Chair Mike Monescalchi has also endorsed Ms. Houghtling, saying “as a dedicated public servant and mother of three, Tistrya understands the issues important to our communities and will work tirelessly for all the people of this district.”
Ms. Houghtling will likely face a September 18 primary against Washington County Democrat Don Boyajian, who announced two weeks ago he was abandoning his quest for the 21st Congressional seat to seek his parties nomination for the 107th district position.
The 107th Assembly District encompasses most of Rensselaer County, the northeastern towns of Columbia County and a small portion of southeastern Washington County.