The upcoming primary for New York’s 51st Senate District has become a focal point of political discourse in upstate New York. With the election scheduled for June 23, 2026, the race between Republican candidates Chris Tague and Terry Bernardo has intensified, highlighting the stark differences in their approaches to governance and representation.
The district, encompassing parts of Sullivan, Delaware, Schoharie, Otsego, Broome, Chenango, and Ulster counties, is a vast rural area with unique economic and social challenges. Both candidates are vying to address these issues, but their methods and priorities differ significantly.
Campaign Strategies and Controversies
Terry Bernardo, a Sullivan County legislator, has taken a combative approach in her campaign, particularly in her criticism of opponent Chris Tague. Bernardo has linked Tague to Democratic Socialist New york city Mayor Zohran Mamdani, based on their shared voting records during Mamdani’s tenure in the State Assembly from 2026 to 2026. This strategy has drawn sharp criticism from Jerry Kassar, chairman of the State Conservative Party, who endorsed Tague.
“It’s a political hit job, and it’s very unfair and inappropriate,” Kassar stated, emphasizing Tague’s conservative record. Bernardo, however, stands by her claims, asserting that Tague’s co-sponsorship of 23 pieces of legislation with Mamdani, including measures related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in public schools, reflects his true political leanings.
A spokesperson for Tague’s campaign defended his record, noting that many of the co-sponsored bills had broad support across party lines and were not examples of “left-wing” or “radical” legislation. Tague himself criticized Bernardo’s tactics, calling them “misleading attacks and outright lies,” and highlighted his own record of service to the community.
Chris Tague’s Background and Priorities
Chris Tague brings a wealth of experience to the race, having served in the New York State Assembly for five terms, representing Assembly District 102. Born and raised in Schoharie, Tague has deep roots in the district, having lived there his entire life, raised his children, and owned a business. His career began in agriculture, starting his own dairy farm at the age of 16.
After selling the farm, Tague worked in the heavy highway construction industry, eventually retiring as general manager of the company. He also served as town supervisor in Schoharie before entering state politics. Tague’s experience in agriculture and real property tax issues has been a cornerstone of his campaign, as he seeks to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities.
Tague has been vocal about the need for state regulations and environmental rules to better support small family farms, which he sees as a major economic driver in the district. He has organized farm tours for lawmakers from across the state to highlight the realities facing farmers and rural businesses. Additionally, Tague has focused on the critical role of volunteer fire departments and emergency medical services (EMS) in rural communities, advocating for tax benefits for active volunteers.
The Stakes for Upstate New York
The race for the 51st Senate District is more than a local contest; it is a microcosm of the broader political dynamics shaping upstate New York. Tague and Bernardo represent different visions for the region’s future, with Tague emphasizing his conservative record and endorsements from the State Conservative Party, while Bernardo seeks to differentiate herself through aggressive campaign tactics.
As the primary approaches, voters in the 51st District will need to weigh the candidates’ backgrounds, priorities, and campaign strategies. The outcome of this race will have significant implications for the representation and governance of one of New York’s most diverse and economically important regions.
