Colin Schmitt

Colin J. Schmitt (born June 20, 1990) is an American businessman and politician who served two terms as a member of the New York State Assembly from the 99th district, which covers parts of Orange and Rockland Counties. He is a member of the Republican Party.[1][2][3]

Colin Schmitt
Member of the New York State Assembly
from the 99th district
In office
January 9, 2019 – December 31, 2022
Preceded byJames Skoufis
Succeeded byChris Eachus
Personal details
Born (1990-06-20) June 20, 1990
New York City, New York, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse
Nikki Pagano
​
(m. 2018)​
EducationCatholic University (BA)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Army
RankCorporal
UnitNew York Army National Guard
 • 1569th Transportation Company

He ran to represent New York's 18th congressional district in the 2022, losing to incumbent Democrat Pat Ryan.

Early life and education

Schmitt was born on Staten Island and raised in Orange County, New York. He graduated from Valley Central High School in Montgomery, New York.[4]

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in politics with minors in theology and religious studies from the Catholic University of America.[5]

Career

He started his political career in the office of then-Assemblywoman Ann Rabbitt, becoming the youngest aide to ever be hired in the Assembly. After graduating from the Catholic University of America in 2012, Schmitt joined the staff of State Senator Greg Ball, and later worked as the chief of staff for the town supervisor of New Windsor.[6]

Schmitt is also a commercial real estate agent and a corporal in the Army National Guard.[1]

New York State Assembly

Schmitt first ran for office in 2012, campaigning for the Assembly's 99th district.[7] He lost in the primary to Goshen Mayor Kyle Roddey, who in turn lost in the general election to Democrat James Skoufis.[8]

Schmitt ran for the same seat again in 2016.[9] He won the primary uncontested but lost to Skoufis in the general election, 53% to 47%.[10]

In 2018, after Skoufis had declared his campaign for the 39th district of the State Senate, Schmitt announced he would run for the 99th district for a third time.[11] He defeated Democrat Matthew Rettig with 53% of the vote, and was sworn into the Assembly on January 9, 2019.[12]

In 2020, Schmitt defeated Democratic challenger Sarita Bhandarkar to hold his seat.

2022 congressional election
Main article: 2022 United States House of Representatives elections in New York § District 18

Following the 2020 election, Schmitt announced his candidacy for New York's 18th congressional district in the 2022 election.[13][14] Schmitt was defeated in the general election by incumbent Democrat Pat Ryan in a close race.[15]

Personal life

Schmitt lives in New Windsor, New York, with his wife, Nikki Pagano-Schmitt.[16]

References
  1. "Assemblyman Colin Schmitt". New York State Assembly. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  2. "Colin J. Schmitt". Ballotpedia. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  3. "Colin Schmitt - Assembly District 99". Assembly Member Directory. New York State Assembly. Retrieved 2021-04-16.
  4. "Valley Central grad launches political action committee". Times Herald-Record. May 11, 2010. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  5. "Colin Schmitt: 'You can stand by your beliefs and represent everybody'". www.chroniclenewspaper.com. Retrieved 2021-04-12.
  6. "Colin Schmitt's Biography". VoteSmart. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  7. Ginny Privitar (July 26, 2012). "Colin Schmitt: 'You can stand by your beliefs and represent everybody'". The Chronicle. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  8. "NYS Board of Elections Assembly Election Returns Nov. 6, 2012" (PDF). New York State Board of Elections. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  9. Chris McKenna (October 15, 2016). "Schmitt vs.Skoufis in battle of young guns". The Times Herald-Record. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  10. Michael D'Onofrio (November 9, 2016). "Rockland elections: Assembly, Senate incumbents win". Lohud.com. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  11. Amanda Spadaro (May 22, 2018). "Schmitt announces third run for Assembly". The Times Herald-Record. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  12. Leonard Sparks (November 6, 2018). "Schmitt tops Rettig to take 99th Assembly District seat". The Times Herald-Record. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  13. Linskey, Connor. "Schmitt launches congressional campaign". My Hudson Valley. Retrieved 2021-07-16.
  14. "Assemblyman Colin Schmitt Launches Bid for NY-18". spectrumlocalnews.com. Retrieved 2021-07-16.
  15. "Assembly Member Colin Schmitt concedes to Rep. Pat Ryan in race for NY-18". News 12. November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  16. "About Colin". Colin Schmitt for State Assembly. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
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