To the Editor:
Every 10 years, our political landscape changes with the completion of the Census. That’s because many of our districts — the House of Representatives, the state Senate, and the Assembly — are based on population, and when Census numbers change, so must our district lines.

This year, through an independent redistricting process, my current district, the 46th District, splits into two. The northern counties (Albany, Schenectady, and Montgomery) have been added in with the city of Albany and my home in Saugerties, along with Greene County and the rest of our Ulster County towns, have been joined with Columbia County and Northern Dutchess, creating the new 41st District.

While it has been an absolute honor to represent the 46th District, I made the decision to run for re-election, where I live, in Ulster County.

Over the past two years, I’ve learned so much from the incredible friends I’ve made in Guilderland and the Hilltowns and worked closely with many to strengthen the communities we all care so much about.

I’m proud that, in this short time, my team and I were able to work on the issues that matter most to you, delivering real results.

We’ve worked with families in the Hilltowns to expand broadband access, secured funding for our roads and sidewalks, hosted agricultural roundtables with our local farmers on the importance of bolstering our local food supply, held mobile office hours at local libraries, organized our first Veterans’ Resource Fair at the American Legion Helderberg Post 977, partnered with the Guilderland Firehouse and the Guilderland Food Pantry for food drives for local families in need, and showed up for people in the community when it mattered most.

And, while I’m deeply saddened to not be your state senator after December, I am left feeling confident that you will have another great representative in state Senator Neil Breslin next year. That’s right, my colleague, Neil, is running for re-election in the new 46th District!

Neil has represented the Capital Region in the state Senate for over 25 years. He’s been an incredible advocate for children and working families, a champion of the labor movement, a stalwart voice in leadership for our upstate communities and knows how to get stuff done.

Neil Breslin has been a mentor to me since my first campaign. He’s someone who truly cares about the well-being of Albany County and lives every day to make sure residents are getting their fair share.

He’s led the charge to protect our drinking water, creating stronger regulations for dangerous PFAS [Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances] chemicals, advocates passionately for our first responders helping me pass the first-ever Rural Ambulance Services Taskforce, and doesn’t back down from a battle if it means protecting and fighting for the well-being of the people he represents.

Neil Breslin is a tremendous senator and will continue to do all of Albany County proud.

While I will miss the Hilltowns, I know they are in good hands with Senator Neil Breslin. I am proud to endorse Senator Breslin for re-election and urge voters to vote early, by absentee ballot, or in person on Nov. 8.

Michelle Hinchey

New York State Senator

Kingston, New York