The Democratic congressional primary will be unusually crowded for New York’s 21st district. During the past two congressional elections, the Democratic candidate in NY-21 has run unopposed in the primary. This year, eight candidates are hoping to challenge Republican incumbent Elise Stefanik in the general election.

One candidate, Tedra Cobb, a former St. Lawrence County legislator, believes that the changes caused by the 2016 presidential election helped activate people politically. “When I look at the United States and what’s happening in congressional races all across the United States, I think we’re just part of that wave of activism and engagement,” said Cobb.

“After the 2016 election, people got much more engaged in the process because they saw the consequences of not being engaged in the election,” said candidate Patrick Nelson, a political activist from Stillwater. Nelson feels that the election encouraged people to step forward and become more involved.

Candidate Emily Martz, an economic development expert from Saranac Lake, decided to run after realizing that she needed to find better approaches to help her country. “The best way for me to effect change is to be elected to some sort of public office,” said Martz.

If elected, Martz hopes to reach all her constituents, regardless of their political party. “I’m here to listen. I’m here to walk with you. I’m here to talk with those who disagree with me,” said Martz.

Democrats believe that the incumbent is out of touch with the residents she represents. “She is absolutely absent from this district and advocating for us in this district,” said Cobb. “She is a Washington insider.” Cobb thinks that Stefanik struggles to represent the district because she has never lived here.

“I would say that we need to defeat Elise Stefanik because she is so clearly, blatantly, and explicitly climbing the career ladder,” said Dameian Bossarte ’19, president of the St. Lawrence University Democrats. Bossarte believes that several of the Democratic congressional candidates are more dedicated than Stefanik when it comes to helping the North Country.

Stefanik has made several votes that are damaging to residents of the area, according to the Democratic candidates. “I think that she needs to be held accountable for the votes that she has made that are harmful to the district, primarily her vote to gut the ACA,” said Cobb.