KINGSTON — At its nomination convention, held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at City Hall, in the City of Kingston, delegates from the Ulster County Democratic Committee (UCDC) submitted a record number of votes to endorse Michele Frazier to be its Democratic Party candidate for NYS Senate District 51.

Also nominated for the position was Ulster County Legislator, Chris Hewitt. His nomination required a run off vote by all UCDC members who represent the towns in Ulster County that are located within the 51st District, In a weighted vote Michele Frazier received 7,297 votes, while Chris Hewitt received 1,101 votes; a 7 to 1 margin of victory for Frazier.

Frazier thanked all of the delegates who voted, as well as all UCDC members for their support. She told delegates she looks forward to campaigning hard and relentlessly from now to election day, in November, and plans on listening and responding to the concerns of ALL voters - not just Democrats. “These are unprecedented times and individuals, families, and farm and business owners throughout upstate NY and the 51st District, are struggling  to find and afford healthcare and housing, in addition to relief from crushing tariffs, broken supply lines, soaring grocery prices, skyrocketing utility rates - and just about everything else,” said Frazier. “When elected, I will be their very loud voice in Albany fighting for their interests each and every day, and in every possible way”.