State police vet Ambrosio to take on Tonko in NY-20 race
ALBANY — It’s a tall order for anyone to try and unseat U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, a veteran congressman of 17 years and a prominent progressive voice within the House of Representatives.
At least one Republican candidate, however, believes voters may be ready for a change.
Ralph Ambrosio, a state trooper who became an assistant general counsel for State Police and also worked as an assistant district attorney, has stepped forward to challenge Tonko for New York’s 20th Congressional District, an area that includes Albany, Schenectady and Saratoga Springs.
“I’m available. I can do this full-time. I’m qualified,” Ambrosio said in an recent interview. “I think you do what you’re supposed to do. I see it as a duty, I guess.”
Ambrosio had previously made a foray into politics in 2024, when he ran for Albany County district attorney against Democrat Lee Kindlon. After defeating incumbent District Attorney David Soares in a primary, Kindlon soundly defeated Ambrosio in the race with a 61.7% share …