MidHudson News is reporting Republican state Assemblymember Colin Schmitt Tue., Apr. 6, launched his bid for New York's 18th Congressional District seat, currently held by Democrat Sean Patrick Maloney. Schmitt, from New Windsor, announced his candidacy during an event at the Montgomery Village Hall, after filing a notice of candidacy with the Federal Elections Commission. The election is in November 2022. The 18th Congressional District includes all of Orange and Putnam counties and parts of Dutchess and Westchester counties. In a prepared statement, Schmitt said, “Hudson Valley families need a strong voice in Washington who will protect taxpayers, create new jobs and stand up for our veterans and first responders. ...I will work every day to deliver real results for Hudson Valley families and defend our values.” Democrat Maloney, of Cold Spring, was elected to his fifth two-year term in November 2020. He is chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Maloney was first elected to Congress in the 2012 election, defeating incumbent Republican Nan Hayworth. He recently reported having $1.2 million in his campaign account, including $650,000 raised in the first quarter of this year. Schmitt is serving his second two-year term representing New York's 99th Assembly District, comprised of nine towns in Orange County and one in Rockland County. He is a lifelong Hudson Valley resident and serves as a sergeant in the Army. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.