Assemblyman Tague to become Senator Tague

GREENE COUNTY—After more than eight years representing Greene County and its neighboring communities in the New York State Assembly, Chris Tague is moving on to the state Senate.

Tague, a Schoharie County Republican who has represented the 102nd Assembly District since 2018, defeated Democrat Michele Frazier in Tuesday's general election to win the 51st Senate District seat.

Tague received 63,787 votes to Frazier's 54,413, according to unofficial election results.

The victory marks a new chapter in Tague's political career, but it also brings an end to his tenure representing Greene County, which is not part of his new Senate district.

The 51st Senate District encompasses all of Otsego, Schoharie, Delaware and Sullivan counties, along with portions of Ulster, Chenango and Broome counties.

Tague will succeed Republican Peter Oberacker, who gave up the Senate seat to challenge Democratic incumbent Josh Riley for New York's 19th Congressional District. Oberacker lost that race Tuesday.

Following his victory, Tague reflected on his roots and pledged to continue advocating for upstate communities.

"I'm just a farm kid from Schoharie County who never forgot where he came from or who he works for," Tague said.

His career began in agriculture. In 1987, he established his own dairy farm, growing the operation from 25 cows to 75 before selling the business in 1992. He subsequently joined Cobleskill Stone Products, where he worked for 25 years before leaving following his election to the Assembly.

Before entering state government, Tague was elected Schoharie town supervisor.

"I've never backed down from a fight for the hardworking people of Upstate New York, and that's not going to change in the State Senate,” said Tague.

"To my family, friends, and everyone who stood with us throughout this campaign, thank you from the bottom of my heart," he said. "I'm proud to be your next state senator and as long as I have a voice in Albany, so will you."

As Tague prepares to take his seat in the Senate, Greene County's representation in the Assembly will pass to another Republican, Marc Molinaro of Catskill.

Molinaro, a former congressman and Dutchess County executive, defeated Democrat Janet Tweed of Delhi in Tuesday's election for the 102nd Assembly District. The district includes all of Greene and Schoharie counties, as well as portions of Delaware, Albany, Otsego and Ulster counties.

"Marc is a fighter and the great folks of District 102 will be well served by his passion for getting things done in government," Tague said.

His departure from the Assembly comes shortly after the Greene County Republican Committee recognized his years of service, naming him "Republican of the Decade" during its annual dinner last month at the Rip Van Winkle Country Club in Palenville.

Speaking to fellow Republicans that evening, Tague opened his remarks with his familiar line, "I approve this message," before taking a more reflective tone as he acknowledged the recognition.

"Your warm welcome and this award mean the world to me," he said.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve each and every one of you,” said Tague. “I hope I made you proud."