Meet Evan Menist: Candidate for New York State Senate District 39

HUDSON VALLEY — As voters across New York State Senate District 39 prepare for the Democratic primary election, many are taking a closer look at the candidates seeking to represent the region in Albany. Among them is Evan Menist, a Poughkeepsie Common Council member whose career has focused on public service, community development, and addressing challenges facing Hudson Valley residents.

Menist currently serves on the Poughkeepsie Common Council, where he has worked on issues related to housing, economic development, public safety, and quality of life. His campaign for State Senate has centered on affordability, housing solutions, public education, and creating greater opportunities for working families throughout the district.

Before serving in elected office, Menist spent years working throughout the Hudson Valley in public policy, planning, and community development. He worked as a policy researcher and urban planner with Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, including projects in Newburgh and communities across Orange County. In that role, he helped local governments and organizations address issues related to housing, economic development, infrastructure, and neighborhood revitalization.

Menist later served as Assistant Deputy County Executive in Ulster County and also worked for former State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, gaining experience in government operations and public policy at both the local and state levels.

In addition to his government experience, Menist has remained active in nonprofit leadership. He served as Co-Executive Director of the Poughkeepsie Farm Project, an organization focused on food access, education, and community engagement.

A graduate of Marist College with a Master of Public Administration degree, Menist says his experiences working with local governments, nonprofits, and residents throughout the region have shaped his understanding of the challenges facing Hudson Valley communities.

Throughout the campaign, Menist has consistently driven an economic message, declaring that “the system is broken” and committing to taking on the “billionaires and corporate special interests that have concentrated power and wealth for far too long.” 

Menist has earned the endorsements of dozens of labor leaders, community organizations, and local officials. He has consistently emphasized the need to address rising housing costs, affordability concerns, economic opportunity, and investments in local communities.

Senate District 39 includes communities throughout Orange, Dutchess, and Putnam counties and is one of New York’s most closely watched races this election cycle.

The Democratic primary election will take place on Tuesday, June 23. Early voting is currently underway.