New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard “Gerry” Kassar opened the party’s 2026 annual conference with an optimistic message about growth, organization, and the high political stakes ahead in what he called a historic election year.
Kassar told activists the party saw major gains in 2025, citing its strongest enrollment since the mid-1970s and renewed strength in counties across the state. He credited grassroots organizing and local election victories for helping Conservatives remain influential even without statewide races last year.
“Our social media had 3 million views in 2025,” Kassar said, highlighting the party’s expanded outreach through podcasts, press appearances, and public events. He also noted the Conservatives remain the only political organization in New York to regularly publish a formal platform and legislative ratings.
Looking ahead, Kassar warned that changes in state election law will put an unprecedented number of contests on the ballot in November 2026 — more than 3,000 races statewide, ranging from governor to town councils.
“That will be the most elections on a state ballot in the history of the state,” he said, calling it a major opportunity for Conservatives to run candidates and expand their reach.
Kassar also made clear that defeating Governor Kathy Hochul will be one of the party’s top priorities in 2026.
He argued that New York is suffering under one-party Democratic control in Albany and said Conservatives must help lead the charge for a new governor who will reverse what he called reckless liberal policies on crime, taxes, and quality of life.
Kassar framed the coming year as a battle against Albany liberals and “ever-growing socialist-democratic friends,” arguing that Conservative ideas are essential to counter what he described as mismanagement in state government and decline in New York City.
“This conference is about ideas,” he told attendees. “It’s our first opportunity in 2026 to strengthen our organization and really expand our reach.”
He also emphasized the party’s need to meet strict statewide vote thresholds to retain its ballot line, warning that opponents hope Conservatives “go away.”
Kassar closed with a call to action, urging members to leave Albany prepared for what he described as the “fight of 2026” — for a new governor, legislative gains, and victories across the state.
“I leave you with a single charge,” he said. “Win in 2026.”