By Justin Morales
As we continue to witness the decline in Americans’ faith in their government, the upcoming midterm elections glimmer in the distance as an opportunity to enact direct change on a federal level. These elections raise the opportunity to garner the attention of current representatives and policy makers who in the coming months risk having their seats taken with representatives who can fulfill their promises and serve the people of their communities.
On Sunday, March 1st, local congressional candidate Beth Davidson invited the Nyack Spectrum to her campaign kickoff inside of St. Charles Church in Sparkill. Community members from across New York’s 17th Congressional District filled the church in support of Davidson as she reflected on the campaign’s first year, reinstated her values to support the local communities, and disclosed her plans for the coming months to ultimately flip District 17 and remove current Congressman Mike Lawler from his seat. Nyack High School students and Nyack Public Schools Board member Michael Mark were among those in attendance expressing their support for Davidson’s campaign initiative, values, and involvement within the local community.
The kickoff specifically focused on fostering a space of unity and expression for the local supporters of Davidson. Attendees had the chance to communicate directly with Davidson herself and share endorsements of her work, while also communicating their opinions surrounding the district’s current political state. Topics of conversation included the importance of supporting LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities under the current administration, along with condemnation for the lack of gun regulations, frequencies of national mass and school shootings, and the current ICE activity across the country. Many of these relevant topics were addressed directly by Davdison and her fellow speakers – including Nyack High School junior Silas Edla – in their formal presentations.
Prior to her pursuit for the New York District 17 seat, Beth Davidson served as a member of Nyack’s school board for two terms before being elected to the Rockland County Legislature. As legislature, Davidson plays an important role in the county’s Environmental committee and the Housing and Economic Development committee, where she works to turn her ambition into action through proposals relating to gun safety, property taxes, and local housing challenges. Recently however, many current Nyack students may recognize Davidson from her engagement in local, student-led anti-ICE protests along Main Street, where protesters have had the opportunity to learn about her values and campaign. Davdison’s campaign comes at a crucial time for Rockland County, as the current congressional representative continues to endorse the controversial proposals of the Trump administration and abandon the Rockland residents who rely on government programs like Social Security or Medicaid.
Beth Davidson’s kickoff signals the rapid approach of the midterm elections, which present a unique opportunity for first-time voters – including many members of the senior class – to learn about the importance of qualified congressional representatives and exercise their right to elect a candidate that aligns with their values. As a community, it gives us the chance to make a selection who will continue to support the Rockland residents who rely on federal programs to survive.
Davidson currently runs against five other candidates for the democratic spot on the November ballot; so with primaries approaching on June 23rd, it’s important for first-time voters, like myself, to explore our options to cast our vote with confidence. Through the widespread lack of affordability and cuts to welfare programs, government entities, constitutional rights, and international safety, this election is crucial to restore our voice in the American government and make small steps to restore a nation that truly respects and supports its people.
For more resources regarding the upcoming congressional elections, visit the sites below:
Congressional Candidates:
Effie Phillips-Staley for Congress
For Information on NYS Voting Requirements, visit: