Election Results Update

We are filled with excitement and joy over Jackie Salvatore’s historic win to become the first woman of color to serve as Sheriff in Columbia County and New York State. Her resounding victory speaks volumes about what Columbia County values in law enforcement, and we are proud of her achievement.

In Claverack, the results are not what we hoped. Despite an amazing effort, Ilze Earner, Robert Honeywell, Peter Hoffman and Amber D’Amato were not successful in their races, losing by less than one percent of the votes.

Despite the disappointing results in Claverack, we are extremely proud of the campaign and our candidates. We knocked more doors, made more calls, and spoke to more voters than in any previous election. We made significant inroads with the voters, brought backroom deals made by the current Board out into the open, and fought like hell. We’re tightening and tightening the margin, and there’s a lot to be proud of this year in Claverack.

We give huge thanks to our candidates — Ilze Earner, Robert Honeywell, Peter Hoffman, and Amber D’Amato, and their families — for stepping up to run for office. It’s incredibly hard work, and they gave it their all, leaving nothing on the table. They have a great vision for Claverack, and we hope they will run again in the future.

And to all of our volunteers, donors, and voters — thank you! This campaign would not have been able to accomplish so much if it was not for all of you. We are grateful for your time, efforts, and continued support. It’s because of you that we continue this fight.

Although the victory was not ours, we succeeded in creating a shared vision with voters of all stripes of what our town needs — a town government that is open, transparent, and accountable to its residents. We will continue to challenge the leadership of our town to do the work to deliver on that vision and make Claverack a welcoming place to live, work, and thrive.

While we celebrate Jackie Salvatore and reflect on the Claverack results today, our work for 2026 begins now. Statewide and congressional races will be here before we know it, and we must send a message that our country won’t move backwards.

If you’d like to get more involved and help plan for what’s next, just email info@claverackdemocrats.org.

Thank you for all you do. Every election — from Town Hall to the White House — is shaped by what we accomplish together.

Best,

Stephanie Sussman

Chair, Claverack Democrats

PS: For more election results, please click here.