The New York State Police Benevolent Union, which is made up of 1,400 members statewide, have backed Ryan Carty as their choice for Columbia County District Attorney. 

CHATHAM – Rep. Marc Molinaro, R-19, introduced District Attorney Candidate Ryan Carty at Carty’s kickoff event on Monday, calling a compassionate and experienced prosecutor and the only choice for Columbia County.

Molinaro, throwing his political weight behind Carty, told the packed crowd of more than 100 people at the People’s Pub, 36 Main St., Chatham, that Carty is the most qualified candidate to keep the county safe. Carty has dedicated his entire professional career to serving the people of Columbia County, Molinaro said. Carty, who is now Deputy Chief District Attorney, has worked full-time in the District Attorney’s Office since 2015.

The congressman added that Carty is the only candidate for District Attorney to have prosecuted a criminal case. With fentanyl pouring into the country and Albany undermining public safety, Carty understands the issues facing Columbia County residents, Molinaro said.

“He [Carty] understands the challenges that Columbia County families face because he was born here and lived here,” Molinaro said. “He served here and made his life here, and he’s defended the people here. And, most importantly, he cares desperately about the success and future of the people who call Columbia County home. There is one person who has earned the place of District Attorney.”

As a prosecutor of the county’s major crimes, including murder, sexual assault and grand theft, the Deputy District Attorney successfully obtained hefty sentences against some of the county’s most heinous criminals. Carty also has led several investigations that involved collaboration between local and state authorities, including an investigation into misappropriated municipal funds in the village of Chatham and dismantling one of the largest crack-cocaine rings in 

Hudson’s history.

Carty has been endorsed by the Republican and Conservative parties, but said he plans to be a leader for all Columbia County residents.

“I am a proud Republican, but that is not what this race is about,” Carty said. “This race is about all of you and your families. Each and every day, I will work hard to keep all of you and your families safe in Columbia County, without fear or favor or regard to politics.”

Carty so far has been endorsed by two of the biggest police unions in the county: the New York State Police Benevolent Association, which represents about 1,200 members statewide, and Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Union. He was also unanimously endorsed by the Columbia County Corrections’ Union.

As Deputy District Attorney, Carty sits on multiple task forces, including the Columbia County Regional Drug Treatment Court Team, Columbia County Domestic Terrorism Prevention, Assessment and Management Team and Columbia County Child Abuse Response Team. As a member of the Drug Treatment Court, Carty said he is committed to helping people struggling with substance abuse disorders and prosecuting drug dealers who take advantage of those suffering from the disease of addiction. He also supports the Veterans’ Court and was an early proponent of Mental Health Treatment Court.

Ryan attended Ichabod Crane Central School and received his Bachelor of Arts from Syracuse University and his J.D. from Albany Law School. He began his legal career in the District Attorney’s Office in 2012 as an intern before working his way up to Assistant District Attorney and then Deputy Chief District Attorney.

“Ryan has taken a leadership role in the District Attorney’s Office,” Molinaro said. “Not only as a skilled and compassionate prosecutor, but also a great teacher, somebody who understands the people who work with him must be all on the same team, rolling in the same direction. We don’t need to upend that. We need to grow it, improve it, enhance it, and ensure that the foundation that Ryan [will] be given is built upon in order to preserve and protect the people of Columbia County.”

Election Day is November 7.