Yvette Valdés Smith
Democratic · NY · Dutchess County Legislator, District 16; Chair of the Dutchess County Legislature
Public school teacher with two master's degrees who was elected chair of the county legislature in 2026 after serving as its minority leader. Her priorities are affordability, housing, and free public transportation countywide.
Where Yvette Valdés Smith stands, based on their records
Supports
Environment and Public Health (1 record), Government Efficiency (1 record), Public Safety and Crime Control (1 record),
Mixed record
Government Spending Reduction (1 support · 3 oppose)
Track record
Track record — Environment and Public Health
Environment and Public Health · 1 support
Joined the unanimous county legislative vote to ban the sale of concentrated and synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine products.
August 10, 2026Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: dutchessny.gov
Track record — Government Efficiency
Government Efficiency · 1 support
Announced the launch of a standing county legislative committee on artificial intelligence and technology oversight.
May 11, 2026Supports Government Efficiency
Source: dutchessny.gov
Track record — Government Spending Reduction
Government Spending Reduction · 1 support · 3 oppose
Joined the unanimous county legislative vote to raise reimbursement for preschool special education related services by $20 per service.
August 10, 2026Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: dutchessny.gov
Proposed a $1 million increase for the Dutchess County Housing Trust Fund in the adopted 2026 county budget.
December 8, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: dutchessny.gov
Supported restoring Dutchess County Route C bus service and called for similar consideration of lost service in Poughkeepsie.
January 16, 2024Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: timesunion.com
Called the proposed $25 million Dutchess Stadium renovation funding excessive and sought a delay for public hearings and bid information.
January 9, 2023Supports Government Spending Reduction
Source: spectrumlocalnews.com
Track record — Public Safety and Crime Control
Public Safety and Crime Control · 1 support
Co-sponsored a resolution to provide twice-yearly domestic violence lethality assessment training for county elected officials.
May 4, 2026Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: dutchessny.gov
Track record — Housing Affordability
Housing Affordability · 1 support
Proposed a $1 million increase for the Dutchess County Housing Trust Fund in the adopted 2026 county budget.
December 8, 2025Supports Housing Affordability
Source: dutchessny.gov
Track record — Social Programs and Welfare
Social Programs and Welfare · 1 support
Joined the unanimous county legislative vote to raise reimbursement for preschool special education related services by $20 per service.
August 10, 2026Supports Social Programs and Welfare
Source: dutchessny.gov
Track record — Public Infrastructure
Public Infrastructure · 1 support
Supported restoring Dutchess County Route C bus service and called for similar consideration of lost service in Poughkeepsie.
January 16, 2024Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: timesunion.com
Track record — General
General · 5 records
Voted with the Democratic caucus to postpone a revised agreement for the proposed Oakley Street homeless shelter pending more review.
July 23, 2026
Source: spectrumlocalnews.com
Joined a unanimous county legislative resolution opposing a proposed federal immigration detention facility in Chester.
March 9, 2026
Source: dutchessny.gov
Was elected chair of the Dutchess County Legislature for its 2026 session.
January 5, 2026
Source: dutchessny.gov
Received Food & Water Action's endorsement for the New York State Senate District 39 race.
October 17, 2024
Source: foodandwateraction.org
Seconded an amendment asking the county to consider local residents for work on the proposed Oakley Street emergency housing facility.
June 9, 2022
Source: dutchessny.gov
Past race Yvette Valdés Smith ran in:
- Dutchess County Legislator, District 16 · November 3, 2026 · Dutchess County, New York · incumbent