Auringer: Pat Ryan Performs for Washington, Stays Silent on Ulster Taxpayers

KINGSTON, N.Y. - May 27, 2026 - Jackie Auringer, Republican candidate for New York's 18th Congressional District, today released the following statement after Rep. Pat Ryan posted another profanity-laced social media video while continuing to refuse to state his position on the proposed Ulster County income tax surcharge:

"Pat Ryan has every right to speak passionately about war, veterans, and national security. But while he is making profanity-laced videos for a national audience, Ulster County families are facing a proposed income tax surcharge and he still will not say where he stands.

"This week, Ryan posted another video designed to go viral. And it did. That was the point.

"That is what Washington has become: performative outrage, calculated provocation, and content engineered for clicks instead of constituents. Pat Ryan did not invent that culture, but he has embraced it completely.

"Meanwhile, Ulster County families are looking at a proposed income tax surcharge that would come directly out of their paychecks. Small businesses, working families, homeowners, and retirees deserve to know whether their congressman supports it or opposes it.

"But Ryan is silent.

"The issue is not whether Pat Ryan can speak passionately. The issue is whether he will speak clearly when Ulster County taxpayers need an answer.

"I'm running for Congress because this district deserves a representative who measures success by results, not retweets. The people here do not need a performance. They need someone who shows up, answers questions, and fights for them.

"If Pat Ryan is visiting the district this week from his home in Washington DC, he should take the time to answer the local taxpayers who sent him to Congress."

Since May 22, Auringer has repeatedly called on Ryan to state his position on the proposed Ulster County income tax surcharge. He has yet to respond.