Didi's Biography

A resident of the Hudson Valley for over 30 years, Didi was elected to the State Assembly after a long career as a community activist, writer and non-profit leader. In her role as the Assembly’s Energy Chair, Didi has been leading the effort to keep the Hudson Valley free from corporate pollution and on track towards a green future led by local farmers and small businesses. She’s passionate about the agricultural, natural, historical and cultural resources of the Hudson Valley and their critical importance as economic engines and job generators.

A lifetime advocate for women and girls, Didi served on the boards of NARAL and Planned Parenthood and spearheaded the creation of the Dutchess Girls Collaborative to support local girls and young women. Didi is a longtime supporter of law enforcement, securing tens of thousands of dollars for public safety initiatives, and delivered over $110 million for anti-gun violence measures in 2023.



Didi on the Issues

Women's rights

Didi has been a lifelong champion of women's rights. In the Assembly, Didi codified women’s rights through the 2019 Reproductive Health Act, advanced the Equal Rights Amendment, and supported the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act, ensuring birth control coverage. She passed laws safeguarding abortion providers in response to threats from the Supreme Court's changes to Roe v. Wade.

Environmental protection

Didi is a leading advocate for environmental causes statewide. She was instrumental in passing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and spearheaded initiatives such as the Climate Action Fund and authored legislation to promote clean energy. She also championed measures against corporate pollution, including banning hydraulic fracking and protecting the Hudson River from petroleum anchorages.

Safe neighborhoods

Didi has been a longtime supporter of local law enforcement. She advocates for "smart on crime" policies, emphasizing laws to curb gun violence. Her successes in the Assembly include passing the SAFE Act, strengthening the "Red Flag law," and criminalizing ghost guns. Didi also supports measures like bump stock bans and raising the age for semiautomatic weapon purchases, and getting illegal guns off of streets.

Vote Didi Barrett: Primary Election: June 25
Vote Early: June 15-23

Didi's Endorsements

Planned Parenthood Political Action Committee

New York State United Teachers

Mason Tenders' District Council

LiUNA! NY