Times-Herald Record: Group that backs vet candidates endorses Davis for county executive

A four-year-old organization that supports veterans and national service alumni who run for office announced Monday its endorsement of Patrick Davis, an Iraq War veteran and 2004 West Point graduate who’s running for Orange County executive.

“Pat Davis comes from a background of service and sacrifice, and our political system needs more leaders like him, who have dedicated their lives in service to their country and community,” Emily Cherniack, founder and executive director of New Politics, said in a press release. “At a time when the public’s trust in government is at an all-time low, servant leaders like Davis will help restore faith in our institutions by putting citizens first and holding government accountable.”

Davis, a 35-year-old Monroe resident who served two tours of duty totaling 27 months in Iraq, works in the financial industry in Manhattan and hasn’t run for office before. Previously registered as an independent voter, Davis announced in late May that he would run as a Democrat to challenge Republican County Executive Steve Neuhaus, who took office in 2014 and is seeking a second, four-year term.

“It’s an honor to have New Politics’ support,” Davis said in the endorsement announcement. “We need more leaders who will focus on governing and put people before politics, and that’s what this campaign is all about. If we’re going to pursue sustainable economic growth, improve the condition of our cities, support our agricultural industry, and tackle the opioid crisis, we have to set aside divisive politics.”

New Politics endorses both Democrats and Republicans running for elected office at all levels, from school boards to congressional seats. Last year, it supported 23 candidates. Its latest crop of candidates includes Pat Ryan, another West Point graduate and Iraq War vet who grew up in Kingston and is one of eight Democrats vying to challenge Republican Rep. John Faso in 2018. (The two Pats – Davis and Ryan – graduated in the same class at West Point).

Davis was an early participant in “Answering the Call,” a political leadership program run by the New Politics Leadership Academy.