On paper, a Hudson Valley Senate District that includes the communities of Poughkeepsie, Newburgh and Beacon would seem made for a Democratic representative, but since redistricting it has been occupied by Republican Rob Rolison.

In 2026, Poughkeepsie City Councilman Evan Menist is hoping to flip control of the seat by riding a blue wave and talking about affordability until he is blue in the face. The former senate staffer joined the show to discuss his campaign and explain why this purple seat has eluded Democrats so far.

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