New tariffs and federal cuts are having a noticeable impact on the North Country economy. Business owners report a drop in Canadian visitors, staffing reductions, and declining revenue, while border traffic is already down and expected to fall further. Thousands rallied locally and across the nation to protest the tariffs and government downsizing.
Democrat Blake Gendebien, a political newcomer and dairy farmer from St. Lawrence County, is preparing a run for NY-21 in 2026. He was initially expected to enter a special election before Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s U.N. nomination was withdrawn. Stefanik will remain in Congress and has been appointed Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership, along with reappointments to the Intelligence, Armed Services, and Education and Workforce committees.