Coverage December 17, 2025

Carolan Wins Town Council Seat Over Incumbent Ruggiero

Originally published in

Hudson Valley Press

By Hudson Valley Press

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Mary Lou Carolan, Democrat/Working Families Party, has won the Town Council seat over two-time incumbent Paul Ruggiero, Republican/Conservative, signaling the beginning of a new era for the historically Republican leaning town.

Carolan Wins Town Council Seat Over Incumbent Ruggiero

Mary Lou Carolan, running on the Democratic and Working Families Party lines, has defeated two-time incumbent Paul Ruggiero (Republican/Conservative) in the race for the Town of Newburgh Council seat, marking a significant victory for Democrats in this historically Republican-leaning community.

Carolan’s win represents a turning point for local politics in Newburgh. Running on a platform of bringing fresh vision and new voices to the Town Council, Carolan successfully appealed to voters seeking change in the town’s leadership direction.

The election results underscore shifting political dynamics in the area, as the town—which has leaned Republican in recent elections—embraces Democratic representation. Ruggiero’s defeat after two terms in office indicates voters’ desire for new leadership and the progressive agenda that Carolan championed throughout her campaign.

This victory strengthens Democratic representation on the Town Council and reflects changing voter preferences in the region.