Recently, two vacancies on the State Committee were filled. Michael Gately was elected to a fill a vacnacy in Judicial District 6 while Christian Padgett was elected to fill a vacancy in Judicial District 10.
MICHAEL GATELY
Michael T. Gately is a 25-year-old resident of the Town of Delhi, with a background in politics and community involvement. He began at a young age when he interned for his local County Legislator’s office at 17 years old in 2016.
Born, raised and residing on Long Island, he assisted in establishing the Town of Babylon Young Republican Club. In June 2020, Michael relocated to Delaware County and settled in Grand Gorge. He contested for a position on the Roxbury Board of Education but faced defeat. Trying again, he initiated a write-in campaign with the Town of Roxbury’s Republican endorsement. Additionally, Michael held significant roles in the Young Republicans of Delaware County, serving as both Secretary and Chairman.
However, disappointed by the divisive rhetoric within the Republican Party, particularly attributed to Donald Trump, Michael switched his party. He disassociated himself from the GOP and aligned with the Libertarian Party of New York, after years of labeling himself as a Libertarian Republican. Recognizing the absence of a Libertarian presence in Delaware County, Michael volunteered to establish the party’s affiliate there, aiming to offer voters an alternative to the traditional ways of Republican versus Democrat. At the Libertarian Party of New York’s State Committee meeting, he was nominated and approved as Acting Chair and County Liaison for Delaware County.
Additionally, he represents Delaware County and the 6th Judicial District on the State Committee. Siding with the label of a paleolibertarian, Michael aligns himself with the Libertarian Party’s Mises Caucus, combining conservative ideals with libertarian principles.
Beyond politics, Michael is deeply involved in community service. He volunteers at the Friends Of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties, a local addiction recovery center, and works as a Direct Support Professional, and advocating for mental health awareness as a certified Peer Specialist. His diverse interests also extend to music, as he learns to play the guitar, and spiritual pursuits, serving as an ordained Minister from Universal Life Church Ministries. In his leisure time, he enjoys walks through downtown Delhi, appreciating the charm of his local community.