A cornerstone of the organization is our yearly electoral endorsements. Our Electoral Committee, Chaired by Vice President Naishaly Vélez Galán, is made up of fellow members both appointed and elected to serve on the committee. The Electoral Committee meets early in the year to consider applications from candidates and conduct interviews to determine which campaigns best reflect the values and priorities of our membership. The committee’s recommendations are then brought to the full membership for final approval at our April General Meeting.

Candidates endorsed by ACYD receive access to the organizing strength of our chapter, including the support of our members and Executive Board for canvass launches, days of action, and other campaign efforts, as well as amplification through our communications platforms. An ACYD endorsement is widely recognized as a meaningful show of grassroots support, and our backing has helped elect numerous candidates at the local, state, and federal level, making it both a practical resource and a prestigious signal of credibility among young Democrats across Albany County.

Applications for candidate endorsement for 2026 are now closed.

Our 2026 full slate of endorsed candidates are as follows:

Endorsements

U.S. House of Representatives

  • Paul D. Tonko, 20th District of New York

New York State Senate

  • Patricia Fahy, 46th District

  • Devin Lander, 43rd District

New York State Assembly

  • Janet Tweed, 102nd District

  • Chloe Pierce, 107th District

  • John T. McDonald, III, RPh 108th District

  • Gabriella A. Romero, 109th District

  • Phil Steck, 110th District

County of Albany Court Judge

  • Joe Meany

City of Albany Court Judge

  • Joshua Farrell

Albany County Legislature

  • Racquel G. Saddler, 6th Legislative District

Town of Bethlehem

  • David VanLuven, Supervisor

Albany City School District Board of Education

  • Tabetha Wilson, Board Member

Register to vote or check your registration for the June 23rd Democratic Primary (and May 19th School Board Elections) at elections.ny.gov!