Rensselaer County attorney Dana Salazar announced her candidacy for state Supreme Court in the Third Judicial District.  The district encompasses Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster counties.

Salazar, an Albany Law graduate and practicing attorney for almost 20 years, sought the Republican and Conservative Party nominations. 

She resides with her family on their small farm in Rensselaer County.

“I’m pleased to announce my candidacy for state Supreme Court in the Third JD.  As a practicing attorney in the Capital Region for almost 20 years, I understand the vital role the courts play in ensuring equal justice for all.  The Supreme Court is the primary trial-level court where litigants come to adjudicate disputes.  Having had extensive practice on behalf of my clients before the Supreme Court, I understand the key role this court plays in the lives of families and businesses,” Salazar said. 

“It is critical for our judges to be fair and impartial. While we must seek endorsements of political parties to run for this office, I pledge that if elected, politics will play no role in my decisions.  I look forward to campaigning across the seven counties of the Third JD over the summer and fall and having the opportunity to meet and discuss my candidacy with all of the voters of our district,” she concluded.

“I’m honored to endorse the candidacy of Dana Salazar for Supreme Court,” said former Court of Appeals Judge Susan Read.  “I worked closely with Dana when she clerked in the Court of Appeals. I was impressed with her understanding of the law and the importance that justice be administered in a fair and impartial manner.  Dana Salazar is ready to become a judge and I’m confident that she will be an outstanding Supreme Court Justice.”

“Dana Salazar brings an unmatched combination of legal expertise, integrity and community commitment to the bench,” said Carmella R. Mantello, Troy mayor. “From representing children in family court to handling complex litigation and serving on the Committee on Character and Fitness, Dana has demonstrated the fairness, compassion and judgment we need on the state Supreme Court.” 

Salazar previously ran for Supreme Court in 2023, losing that race by just over two percent. In 2024, she became the first woman appointed Corporation Counsel for the City of Troy. She practices law with her mother and daughter in the firm of Salazar and Erikson, LLP in East Greenbush, a three-generation female-owned law practice.

The election for State Supreme Court in the Third Judicial District will take place Election Day, Tuesday, November 4. 

​​​​​​Dana Salazar
Troy, NY