Lisa KaulLisa Kaul

Lisa Kaul is running to oust Republican senator Rob Rolison in a Poughkeepsie-based State Senate district Kamala Harris won by just over four points in 2024. The blue lean of the district has made this race a true toss-up—and potentially the State Senate Democrats’ surest path back to a legislative supermajority. Senator Rolison won his seat in 2022, and since then he has demonstrated disregard for the struggles of high housing costs. Instead of centering the supply crisis driving up rents, Rolison has blamed migrants for the district’s challenges. He introduced a bill to limit access to housing in hotels and shelters for migrants seeking refuge and work in New York State, a move based on false claims that homeless veterans were being displaced from shelter. Additionally, he has voted against bills to protect renters—important protections in a moment of skyrocketing costs, evictions, and displacement. In contrast, Lisa Kaul will bring a humane and sophisticated approach to Albany.