Unofficial Results and Takeaways from June 24th Primary Election

Polls have closed and ballots have been counted in New York’s June 24 primary. From hotly contested races in Sullivan County to historic shifts in Woodstock, voters across the Hudson Valley made their voices heard. Radio Catskill’s Tim Bruno spoke with Jesse King, Hudson Valley Bureau Chief for WAMC and host of 51%, to break down the results and explore what they might signal for the November general election.

Editorial Note: The results discussed in this article are unofficial as of June 25, 2025.

SULLIVAN COUNTY — Republican Primary for Sheriff

One of the most bitter races in the region took place in Sullivan County, where incumbent Sheriff Michael Schiff held onto his party line, earning 59% of the vote over challenger Tim Dymond (41%).

“This was probably the loudest race in Sullivan County last night,” said Jesse King. “Dymond basically ran a smear campaign that echoed allegations the FBI is investigating the Sheriff’s Office for corruption and misconduct. Schiff has denied all of that.”

The race also featured personal accusations and lurid claims, including an alleged love triangle involving staff at the jail. Despite the drama, voters appear to have stuck with Schiff, who has been in office for about 20 years. With no Democrat running, this primary likely decided the next term.

WOODSTOCK — Democratic Primary for Town Supervisor

In Ulster County’s Woodstock, Councilmember Anula Courtis came out ahead in a three-way race with 61% of the vote, defeating journalist David Wallis (27%) and environmental advocate Erin Moran (12%), who had the backing of outgoing Supervisor Bill McKenna.

“This was a race with some local drama,” King said. “McKenna challenged Wallis’s petition signatures, saying they included non-residents. The Board of Elections let him stay on the ballot by just two or three signatures.”

But the central issue in Woodstock wasn’t paperwork—it was the long-standing illegal Shady dump, which despite lawsuits and court orders, has yet to be cleaned up. Courtis, King noted, pushed for a “total reset,” aiming to work with state officials and open dialogue with the property owner.

“She had a very community-focused campaign,” King added. “That probably played a role in her win.”

Courtis is now the heavy favorite for November, with no Republican opponent. If elected, she will appoint someone with an environmental background to complete her term on the Town Board. Meanwhile, the Democratic primary for two open board seats saw Laurie Osmond and Lily Korolkoff narrowly edge out Marcel Nagele — setting up the possibility of an all-women town government for the first time in Woodstock’s history.

NEW PALTZ — Democratic Primary for Town Supervisor

In New Paltz, Village Mayor Tim Rogers defeated incumbent Amanda Gotto, earning 54% of the vote to her 46%.

“Rogers is pushing to merge the town and village governments,” said King. “He believes the original reasons for having them separate no longer apply, and this consolidation could save money and increase efficiency.”

Though the idea of a merger hasn’t yet been voted on, Rogers’ win could help move that plan forward.

MIDDLETOWN — Democratic Primary for Mayor

In Orange County’s Middletown, Mayor Joseph DeStefano cruised to victory with 77% of the vote over Joel Sierra (22%), a county legislator and former firefighter.

“This was another bitter race,” King said. “Sierra accused DeStefano of lying and corruption, and DeStefano hit back, criticizing Sierra for missing legislative meetings — which Sierra said was due to a work-related injury.”

With no Republican in the race, DeStefano is likely headed toward his fifth consecutive term, and seventh overall as Middletown’s mayor.

STATEWIDE — NYC Mayoral Primary Shockwaves

Outside the Hudson Valley, all eyes turned to New York City, where  Zohran Mamdani, a self-described Democratic Socialist, shocked political observers by beating Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary with 43.5% of first-choice votes.

“This was framed as a battle between younger, more progressive Democrats and the party’s establishment wing,” said King. “Mamdani’s grassroots, hyper-local campaign style clearly resonated. He was everywhere—on podcasts, local shows, walking the streets. Cuomo, by contrast, was largely interview-averse.”

While ranked-choice tabulation is still pending, Cuomo has already conceded.

Image: Polling location at the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello, NY. (Credit: Kimberly Izar)