NEW YORK (TIP): Saratoga Springs Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi, an Indian American Democrat, has declared her candidacy for the 44th State Senate District in New York’s Capital Region. The district, encompassing Saratoga County, Niskayuna, and the City of Schenectady, is currently represented by Republican incumbent Jim Tedisco, who transitioned to this district after redistricting.
Sanghvi is tapping into the district’s shifting political landscape. While Republicans have historically represented the district, the tide is turning, with registered Democrats now outnumbering Republicans by nearly 6,000. President Biden secured a 12-point victory over Donald Trump in the 2020 election within the district.
“I’m running for State Senate because we deserve better,” Sanghvi said in a press release on Monday. “We need a leader who will prioritize the needs of our community over partisan politics in Albany. I’m not a career politician; I’m a parent, a business educator, and a dedicated public servant committed to fiscal responsibility. My track record reflects my ability to listen to the people and collaborate with others to deliver tangible results.”
Sanghvi, who was born in India, immigrated to the United States in 2001 after earning a degree in accounting and an MBA. She taught business at Skidmore College for nearly a decade. In 2021, she won the election to serve as the Saratoga Springs Finance Commissioner.
“As the Commissioner of Finance in Saratoga Springs, I’ve delivered fiscally responsible results that have prioritized public safety and enhanced our quality of life for all residents,” Sanghvi said in the release. “Our achievements include funding a crucial third EMS and fire station, establishing a 24/7 low-barrier homeless shelter, and expanding essential infrastructure such as sidewalks, parks, and playgrounds. We’ve maintained our city’s AA+ credit rating while making critical investments.”
If elected, Sanghvi would make history as the first openly gay woman and the first woman of color to represent New York’s 44th State Senate District, as well as the first openly gay woman in the New York Senate.
She emphasized her commitment to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all residents, regardless of their political affiliation, and advocated for women’s healthcare access, LGBTQ rights, and equal opportunities.
Her opponent, incumbent Tedisco, has held political office in Albany for four decades. Sanghvi cited the need for new ideas and a fresh vision in a district that is evolving and diversifying.