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Katie Wilson of Keene has announced her intention to run against U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik. (Provided photo.)

Katie Wilson of Keene has announced her intention to run against U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik. (Provided photo.)

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, 21st CD, speaks to the Times Union editorial board on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at the Times Union in Colonie, N.Y. (Will Waldron/Times Union)

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, 21st CD, speaks to the Times Union editorial board on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at the Times Union in Colonie, N.Y. (Will Waldron/Times Union)

Democrat Katie Wilson announces challenge to Stefanik

Albany

Katie Wilson traces her political roots to her time participating in equestrian competitions when she was young.

The Essex County woman said she grew disgusted at how money drove the sport, leading her to rebel.

"I was just a girl who ... did all my own work, and couldn't afford a bunch of grooms and the whole nine yards," she said. "So I think those were the stirrings of my disillusionment with the current system, because I saw how that spreads out and reaches into so many other facets of our life."

On Tuesday, Wilson took a step toward her political rebellion, announcing her challenge to Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Essex County. She is the second Democrat to enter the 21st Congressional District race well in advance of 2018's midterm elections.

Wilson, a 33-year-old mother of two from of Keene, told the Times Union that while she hasn't sought political office before, she has spoken with myriad people from political officials to former members of Congress in recent months about a potential bid.

"I saw a big need, based on who is in office currently, for honest representation and an independent voice for the North Country," she said.

In her campaign announcement, Wilson highlighted federal health care policy. She said that while the Affordable Care Act must be improved, "that doesn't mean we should replace it with something that kicks millions of Americans including tens of thousands of North Country residents off their health care and replaces it with something more expensive."

She also pointed to the need to bridge what she sees as a military-civilian divide to help veterans bring their skill sets to the private sector. She also wants to focus on sustainable local farming and clean energy.

Like many Republicans, Stefanik has caught flak this year for what Democrats have seen as a lack of accessibility. Amid a town hall fever, Stefanik has held "Coffee with Your Congresswoman" events in some parts of the district.

"I'm committed to showing up and not running away from conversations," Wilson said.

Stefanik campaign spokesman Lenny Alicivar said the congresswoman is "focused on her bipartisan work delivering real results for the hardworking families and small businesses across the 21st District, not on politics."

Wilson has been active in protests this year in the 21st District, which extends from Lake Ontario to Lake Champlain and from the Canadian border into parts of Saratoga County and all of Warren, Washington and Fulton counties.

She owns the Adirondack Attic, a thrift and consignment shop in Keene.

Wilsonjoins Patrick Nelson of Stillwater in seeking the Democratic nomination. She has been among those mentioned in discussions about potential challengers to Stefanik, who is in her second term.

mhamilton@timesunion.com 518-454-5449 @matt_hamilton10

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Democrat Katie Wilson announces challenge to Stefanik - Albany Times Union