It is considered an “off year” in elections because there are no federal elections taking place, but at the local level, there are elections for something every year! In 2025, New York State has quite a few elections, including for New York City mayor. But this week we are profiling a race in a different city in New York State, the city of Hudson.

Up the Hudson River from New York City, Hudson is the seat of Columbia County. In the past decade or so, Hudson has reinvented itself from rust belt mid-size city to a rejuvenated scene for the arts and counterculture. Claire Cousin (she/her) is a millennial mom of 3 who is running on the Working Families Party ticket for the Hudson Common Council. Before becoming a housing justice activist, Claire spent eight years dedicating herself to the Black Liberation Movement. She was recently accepted into the Baccalaureate program at nearby Bard College, a hotbed of liberal, artistic ideas. Claire cares very deeply about social justice, Community Building, Youth Empowerment and finding creative ways to center stories and narratives of people on the ground both doing the hard work of preserving community but also those continuing to live in and foster community.

Where are you based?
Hudson NY

What position are you running for?
Former Columbia County Supervisor ; Recently ran for NYS Assembly and currently running for Hudson Common Council in the 5th Ward.

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
I am running for office in the City of Hudson to bring the voices of working-class families to the forefront of local decision-making. Rooted in my own lived experience as a working-class mother, I believe in grassroots people power and the transformative potential of social justice. My campaign centers on affordability, with a strong commitment to ensuring that Hudson remains a place where current residents can thrive and where new working-class families feel welcome to build their lives. I advocate for creative, collaborative solutions to the affordability crisis, guided by the principle that housing is a human right. I -proudly align with the Working Families Party and its agenda to uplift communities through equity, economic justice, and inclusive policy.

What inspired you to run?
It was answering a call to action each time. Deeply responsive to the moment.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
I am hoping to inspire other young people of color to run for office, and believe that what they have to offer is important in these moments, especially with so much uncertainty in our future, younger voices are needed in these conversations regarding our future. I am hoping that people will feel represented by me and that together with my ward, we can help redefine how working class people live in the city of Hudson.

What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
One major accomplishment I would like to highlight from my time on the County Legislature was getting a Bi-partisan resolution in support of the Cleanslate NY Act.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them? America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
Ill answer both questions together: Right now, affordability, housing justice, and systemic inequality are some of the most pressing issues facing our communities—especially here in Hudson. Working-class families, many of whom have lived here for generations, are being priced out of the city they helped build. As someone who comes from a working-class background and is raising a family here, I know this struggle intimately. I believe housing is a human right, and we need to take bold, creative, and diplomatic action to ensure that Hudson remains a home for all—not just the wealthy few. My approach is rooted in social equity and liberation-based practices, which means centering the voices of those most impacted and making space for real community-led solutions. I’m inspired by movements like the Black Panther Party and the Movement for Black Lives, which have long championed mutual aid, community control, and justice for marginalized people. These aren’t just historical movements—they're living blueprints for how we can build cities that serve everyone. That’s the kind of leadership I bring: one that listens first, acts boldly, and always remembers who I serve

How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
I feel that being a young woman of color, bi-racial woman of color and one of the youngest elected officials in our area my perspective is unique. I have engaged with many sectors of our government on the receiving end, the delivering end and the transformative end. I have participated in creating and living in this community in a very grassroots way. I also believe that I do have a deliberate approach to meeting people with opposing visions somewhere in the middle.

What is your motto in life?
This mountain was assigned to me, to show others it can be moved.

Where can we find out more about you?
Many articles have been written, but keep your eye out for next steps. IG: @clairecousinforassembly

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Claire Cousin, Hudson, NY Common Council, Ward 5