Schenectady Democrats Fail to Endorse Council Candidate

Party committee meeting ends without picking nominee for upcoming primary

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A Wednesday night meeting of the Schenectady city Democratic committee was expected to produce an endorsement of a city council candidate for the party's June primary, but the meeting instead concluded with no endorsement vote being held and the party declining to back a candidate.

Why it matters

The lack of a Democratic endorsement could lead to a contested primary and potentially a more divisive general election race to fill the one-year council term. The decision also raises questions about the party's unity and ability to coalesce around a candidate.

The details

A June 23 primary will determine the party's city council candidate for a November special election to fill a one-year council term in the seat held by Councilman Justin Chaires. The Democratic committee meeting was expected to produce an endorsement, but it ended without a vote being held.

  • The Democratic committee meeting was held on Wednesday night.
  • The June 23 primary will determine the party's city council candidate.
  • The November special election will fill the one-year council term.

The players

Justin Chaires

The current city council member whose seat will be up for election.

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The takeaway

The Schenectady Democratic party's inability to unite behind a city council candidate highlights the internal divisions and challenges the party faces in fielding a united front for the upcoming primary and special election.