On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the Times Union reported that the Dutchess County Court judge race is intensifying between incumbent Judge Edward T. McLoughlin, a Republican, and Democratic challenger Kara Gerry, the criminal unit bureau chief at the Dutchess County Public Defender’s Office. The election will determine the political composition of the court and decide who will preside over serious criminal cases within the county.

Campaign finance reports reveal that Gerry has significantly reduced the financial gap between herself and McLoughlin. As of the end of September, Gerry had raised approximately $124,600, while McLoughlin had raised $191,600.

The Dutchess County Court handles felony criminal cases and certain civil matters. With judges serving 10-year terms, this election presents a significant opportunity for voters to influence the administration of criminal justice in the county. Early voting is scheduled to begin on October 25, with Election Day on November 4.

McLoughlin, a graduate of Pace University School of Law, has a background as a prosecutor in the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office. He emphasizes public safety and experience in his campaign. He was also appointed as an acting Supreme Court justice in 2017.

Gerry, also a Pace School of Law graduate, highlights her experience as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, arguing that it provides her with a comprehensive understanding of justice. She began her career as an assistant district attorney in Orange County before transitioning to civil litigation and later joining the Dutchess County Public Defender’s Office in 2013.

A key point of contention in the race is the Nicole Addimando case, a domestic violence trial that garnered significant attention. In 2019, McLoughlin sentenced Addimando to 19 years to life for killing her abusive partner, declining to apply the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act. Gerry had previously served as Addimando’s defense attorney but was removed from the case by McLoughlin due to a conflict of interest.

McLoughlin’s campaign has received substantial financial support from the legal community, with over $15,000 coming from law firms, some of which regularly appear before him in court. Gerry’s campaign, in contrast, has received approximately $1,000 in donations from law firms. This disparity has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest arising from campaign contributions from practicing lawyers.

Both McLoughlin and Gerry have filed formal complaints alleging misconduct by their opponent. McLoughlin faced criticism for social media content that was perceived as signaling bias. Gerry’s campaign has been accused of violating judicial campaign rules by appearing in partisan campaign advertising and events.

Despite McLoughlin’s fundraising advantage, Democrats remain optimistic, citing Jessica Segal’s 2020 victory over a Republican incumbent despite being outspent. Both campaigns are focusing on voter contact through door-knocking, phone banking, and targeted digital advertising.

With a significant Democratic voter base in Dutchess County, Gerry’s campaign is prioritizing mobilizing Democratic voters. McLoughlin’s campaign aims to broaden its base of support by appealing to voters across party lines.

 

 

Source: Times Union