Civil rights attorney Michael Sussman is running for Orange County Executive, challenging incumbent Steve Neuhaus, who has held the position since 2013.

Sussman, a Goshen-based lawyer with more than four decades of legal experience, said in an interview with Radio Catskill that Orange County needs “new leadership, more transparency, and a government that puts people before politics.”

During the interview, Sussman outlined several priorities if elected, including ending what he described as “pay-to-play” politics, establishing an independent county comptroller, and redirecting the county’s Industrial Development Agency to focus on small business growth and affordable housing.

He also discussed issues related to agriculture, local transportation, and environmental cleanup, citing concerns about flooding along the Wallkill River and unremediated toxic waste sites.

On the subject of large warehouse projects, Sussman criticized the county’s economic-development policies, saying he would oppose tax incentives for corporations that don’t provide union jobs or fair wages.

Drawing on his background as a civil-rights attorney, Sussman said he would emphasize public participation and inclusion in county government.

“I’m not interested in government for the few,” he said. “I want an inclusive government that listens, where people from every background have a seat at the table.”

Sussman acknowledged that he has not served in county government but argued that his experience outside of it provides a different perspective on how local institutions operate.

The 2025 Orange County Executive election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.