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Karen Smythe talking with families
Karen Symthe talking with a business owner

Karen Smythe was born and raised in Poughkeepsie. A former marketing executive, she became the fourth-generation to run her family’s construction business, C.B. Strain & Son. Karen understands that we need more middle-class jobs that pay a living wage. C.B. Strain created hundreds of good jobs locally, and as the company prospered, so did her workers, subcontractors and suppliers.

Committed to strengthening the Hudson Valley, Karen has put her skills to work on the Board of the Bardavon Theater, the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum and as a Trustee of Vassar College. She is proud to have been a Sunday school teacher and a soccer coach in LaGrange.

Together with Nevill, her husband of 26 years, they make giving back and improving our community a significant part of their lives. Karen will work with all sides to grow the Hudson Valley economy and ensure future generations are able to remain and raise their families here.

Karen’s Promise to Hudson Valley Families:

  • WORK to expand jobs and economic opportunities in the Hudson Valley
  • ENSURE our local schools receive the funding they need
  • STAND UP for taxpayers and work to make the Hudson Valley affordable.
  • PROTECT our environment and utilize our natural resources for more green jobs
  • ADVOCATE for new ethics and campaign finance laws to clean up Albany
  • PASS common-sense gun ​safety laws like banning bump stocks and strengthening background checks
  • EXPAND access to affordable healthcare
  • FIGHT to protect a woman’s right to choose and to ensure equal pay for equal work
Karen Symthe talking with kids
Karen Symthe standing for us

We need new representation in Albany, someone who will work nonstop for all the families and taxpayers of our community.