Auringer Calls Out Ryan for Ballot Removal Tactics

KINGSTON, N.Y. — Jackie Auringer, Republican candidate for New York's 18th Congressional District, today released the following statement condemning Democratic efforts to remove her from the November ballot.

"Instead of competing on the issues, my opponent is trying to deny Hudson Valley voters a real choice," Auringer said. "You cannot talk about freedom and patriotism while working to keep your opponent off the ballot. That is not democracy — that is fear."

The challenge, filed by Democratic Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck, contests nominating petitions submitted by Sharanjit Singh Thind, the original Republican candidate for the seat. Because Auringer filed her candidacy after Thind and must use those petitions, a successful challenge would block her from appearing on the November ballot entirely. A court hearing is scheduled for Friday in Albany State Supreme Court.

"I grew up in Kingston. This is my community," Auringer said. "The people of NY-18 deserve a representative who fights for them, not one who games the system to avoid a fair fight. If they think legal maneuvering will stop this campaign, they are in for a surprise."

"Pat Ryan loves to talk about freedom and patriotism," Auringer continued. "Freedom means letting voters decide. Patriotism means trusting the people — not trying to game the system to avoid competition."

Auringer added: "The partisan divide has gotten so bad that people have stopped trying to solve problems. And now, instead of debating ideas, we are seeing tactics designed to shut down competition before it even begins. This is not about me — it is about whether voters get to have a real say."

Auringer filed for the 18th Congressional District seat on April 13, 2026, running on a platform of restoring affordability, supporting small businesses, and giving the Hudson Valley a stronger voice in Washington.