Power & Politics: A new Orange County legislature, historic meeting of law enforcement statewide and local reaction to the SOTU

New look legislature

Earlier this year, Democrats made history by taking the first-ever legislative majority in Orange County.

County Democratic Chair Zak Constantine breaks down how they did it, the party's legislative priorities and what lessons were learned ahead of what are expected to be competitive primary races up and down the ballot during the midterms.

“It is the ability to be responsive to the needs of our constituents regardless of what community they’re from and act quickly to solve problems and that’s the thing that I think our Democratic legislators are intent on as making sure that we are a local government that actually does things to improve people’s lives," Constantine said.

Law enforcement alliance

Last month, law enforcement statewide gathered in New York City for a historic conference to discuss issues facing police officers, their priorities for 2026 and how they want to improve officer mental health, recruitment and criminal justice reform.

New York City Detectives' Endowment Association President Scott Munro offers insight on the meeting and how the unions want to wield power at the ballot box this year.

“This is a public safety alliance," Munro said. "We’re working together. Our vote will count.”

State of the Union

This week, President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union Address of his second term.

Now standing alone as the longest such speech in history, Trump harped on his economic policies, including tariffs, immigration reforms and the future direction of the country.

Democratic governor of Virginia, Abigail Spanberger, delivered the rebuttal minutes after the speech wrapped up. She worked to paint a different version of current affairs, where Americans are rejecting policies coming out of the White House.

All three congressmen who represent the Hudson Valley weighed in following the speeches.

Democratic Rep. George Latimer (NY-16):

"Last night, the State of President Trump’s partisan ego was on full display for the entire nation. He showed just how much he will make up his own facts and divide us to cover up for his administration’s failed policies. The truth - one year into Trump 2.0 - families are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of groceries, utilities, and healthcare. Meanwhile, this President and Republicans in Congress are kicking people off Medicaid and food stamps during the worst year for job creation outside of a recession. But that is not all: the President has been sure to enrich himself and his family by adding billions to their net worth. Their priorities are backward, and it is obvious that the President’s priority is looking out for himself – an unneeded grand White House ballroom, a $400 million jet gifted from a foreign country - nothing that helps the American people – and his goal is to divide our country so he can maintain his rule. We cannot let him succeed."

Republican Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17):

"Last night’s Joint Address by [the President of the United States] was all about highlighting everything we have to be proud of as a county. From securing the border, ending conflicts abroad, tackling the affordability crisis, and recognizing American heroes to our our nation’s Capitol."

Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan (NY-18):

Last week at my State of the Hudson Valley address, I laid out a clear vision to deliver a more affordable, more safe, and more free Hudson Valley for every family. Tonight, I attended the State of the Union hoping to hear the President outline a plan to achieve those goals. Instead, the President ignored the affordability crisis hurting every constituent I talk to, stoked fear and division, and doubled down on the harms and chaos that have hurt our community for the last year.