Jammel Cutler reports for Columbia-Greene Media that Columbia County Democratic Party Chair Sam Hodge and Dutchess County Democratic Party Committee Chair Michael Dupree endorsed Didi Barrett over Claire Cousin in the June 25 primary election for a local Assembly seat. Barrett is the incumbent and Cousin is currently Hudson's First Ward Supervisor. Barrett, 73, said, “I am honored to be endorsed by the chairs of both county Democratic committees in the 106th Assembly District.... Both Sam Hodge and Michael Dupree know how hard I work for the communities I represent in Columbia and Dutchess counties, and their endorsement reflects recognition of my inclusive and effective approach to my job. I am grateful for their support.” Cousin and other activists have criticized Barrett for not backing progressive measures addressing the affordable housing crisis, and Barrett is now talking about the issue. “Addressing the affordable housing crisis is one of my highest priorities.... I recently brought Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to Columbia County to show him the unique challenges our region faces in building affordable housing. With his support, we were able to secure $3 million in funding for two not-for- profits in the area — Columbia County Habitat for Humanity and Hudson River Housing — to support the construction of affordable, energy-efficient housing." So far in 2024 Cousin has outraised Barrett in campaign contributions $4,857 to $3,910 according to campaign contributions publicly reported as of Jan. 23. Read more about this story in HudsonValley360.com.