01/25/2026
Columbia County Democratic Committee
Elects New Leadership
The Columbia County Democratic Committee (CCDC) elected new officers on Thursday, January 8, in a move that strengthens the organization's leadership for the crucial 2026 election season.
Representatives of the county’s town Democratic organizations chose Mike Dvorchak and Abbie Hodgson as co-chairs of the County Committee, which represents all Democrats in Columbia County. Both have been serving in key roles in the organization and have years of political experience.
For the past four years, Dvorchak has been CCDC’s first vice chair, co-fundraising chair, and a member of the Communications Committee. He is midway through a four-year term as Hillsdale town supervisor, in which he has been concentrating on infrastructure upgrades, increased transparency, and grant opportunities.
“We all recognize that November 3, 2026, is the most important election in our nation’s history. The new leadership team, along with the entire membership, stands ready to meet this challenge,” said Dvorchak.
Hodgson brings more than two decades of political work to her new role as CCDC co-chair, having been involved in over 100 campaigns at the local, state, and national levels. Locally, she serves on the CCDC Executive Committee and is a co-chair of the Taghkanic Democrats. Hodgson also is vice president of state affairs at a national mental health advocacy organization.
“The Columbia County Democratic Party is entering 2026 united, energized, and ready for the work ahead. Our focus is clear: electing Democrats at the local, state, and federal levels who reflect our values and deliver for our communities,” said Hodgson.
At Thursday’s meeting, the County Committee also elected Claire Ackerman as first vice chair and Victoria Seipp as second vice chair.
Ackerman is a Columbia County native who has nearly 15 years of political experience at the local, state, and federal levels. She is the CCDC fundraising co-chair, and has held many leadership roles within CCDC and the Claverack Democrats and worked on numerous campaigns. Ackerman is the president of a local foundation supporting nonprofit organizations in Columbia County.
Seipp has been involved in local Democratic organizing since before she could vote, most recently as campaign manager of Jackie Salvatore’s successful race for Columbia County sheriff. Seipp, also a Columbia County native, previously worked at the Columbia County Board of Elections and as a field organizer for the New York State Democratic Committee.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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ICE Out for Good
Weekend of Action
Hudson Rally
Sunday, January 11
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Seventh Street Park, Hudson
Find other events happening nearby on Saturday and Sunday here.
Virtual Reception
in support of
Tom DiNapoli
Saturday, January 10
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
** NEW TIME **
Virtually | RSVP here
Eleanor's Legacy Campaign Trainings
For information on all trainings, visit eleanorslegacyactionfund.com/events
Campaign Academies
New York City - January 10, 10am-5pm
Albany - February 7, 10am-5pm
Long Island - April (date TBD)
Buffalo - May (date TBD)
These are free, in-person trainings for pro-choice women interested in learning more about running for office. Breakfast and lunch included. Headshots to attendees are provided. Advanced registration required (click on links above). Address provided upon RSVP.
Virtual Trainings
Ready. Set. Run. - January 12, 5:30pm-6:30pm
How to get off the bench and on the ballot: A comprehensive guide to launching your campaign.
A Community Conversation on Justice & Protection for Our Immigrant Neighbors
Hosted by IndivisibleColumbiaNY
Sunday, January 11
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM
St. Peter's Church, Spencertown
RSVP to [email protected]
ICNY presenters will include an immigration attorney, immigration service providers, and active volunteers who will present their experiences and ideas for helping protect and support our most vulnerable neighbors in this most challenging time. There will be ample opportunity for engagement with the presenters. We urge you to join us and learn more about what is happening in our community and how you can be part of the work to secure and protect our neighbors. Join us and become part of The Conversation.
UHPP Virtual Activist Training
Tuesday, January 13
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
via Zoom
Sign up here
Join Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood's Public Affairs team on January 13 to learn about how to get involved with our organization in Albany, Rensselaer, Columbia, and Greene Counties! This training will take place virtually via Zoom. This training is required for any community members who are interested in being outreach volunteers at tabling events.
CCDC CALENDAR
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If interested in attending any of these meetings, please email [email protected].
CCDC MONTHLY MEETINGS
- Meets the fourth Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM via Zoom (note the following exceptions)
- Annual Operating Meeting - Thursday, January 29 - 7:00 PM via Zoom
Note: This will be our Annual Operating Meeting where we elect our Standing Committee Chairs, consider and take action on the long-term strategic plan and annual budget, and review the 2025 actual vs budget financials.
- Future Meetings: February 26 (Endorsement Meeting), March 26, April 23, May 28, June 25, July 23, August 27, September 24, October 22, and December 4
CCDC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS
- Meets the Thursday following the CCDC Monthly Meeting at 7:00 PM via Zoom (note the following exceptions)
- Next Meeting: Thursday, February 5 - 7:00 PM via Zoom
- Future Meetings: March 5, April 2 (TBD), April 30, June 4, July 9, July 30, September 4, October 1, October 29, and December 11
CCDC COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE MEETINGS
- Meets the first Thursday of the month at 4:30 PM via Zoom
- Next Meeting: Thursday, February 5 - 4:30 PM via Zoom
CCDC ISSUES COMMITTEE MEETINGS
- Meets the second Saturday of the month at 10:00 AM via Zoom
- Next Meeting: Saturday, January 10 - 10:00 AM via Zoom
CCDC SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE MEETINGS
- Meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM via Zoom
- Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 3 - 7:00 PM via Zoom
CCDC is a grassroots powered organization that works to elect Democrats in Columbia County. Your donation will help us create real change, deliver results, and turn our county blue! Please contribute today OR Subscribe to Democracy with a recurring, monthly subscription.
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Ghent, NY 12075
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