A rematch is brewing on the Ghent Town Board, where Democrat Penny Sanchez is challenging Republican incumbent Marie Meltz for a seat Meltz currently holds by appointment rather than election. Sanchez lost a prior town board race by just 23 votes in 2025, and she's hoping that narrow margin, along with decades of healthcare management experience, carries her across the finish line this time.
The race centers on an unexpired term that opened up after a board vacancy. According to dailygazette.com, incumbent Republican Marie Meltz is looking to fend off Democratic nominee Penny Sanchez, who ran unsuccessfully for the board in 2025. The Daily Gazette preview describes the contest as Town Council (unexpired term). Town records show the board appointed Meltz to the vacant seat through December 31, 2026, and on December 18, 2025, board members voted to call a special election for November 3, 2026, to fill the remaining year of the term vacated by former Councilwoman Nielsen, according to Town of Ghent meeting minutes.
Sanchez Leans on Healthcare Background and Local Roots
Sanchez grew up on a farm, graduated from high school, and later returned to Ghent. She has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare management and coding compliance. Sanchez is running again after her 2025 loss.
Sanchez has discussed housing and family proposals. She has also said she would seek grants for affordable housing and wants to support local farmers.
Meltz Seeks Election to Town Board
Meltz has worked at Ghent Wood Products and Meltz Lumber. She joined the board after members filled the seat the previous December and is now seeking election. Meltz ran on the Connect Ghent line, which endorsed Radley and Perry, candidates who appeared on both Democratic and Republican lines last year.
Board Alignment and the Housing Debate
Board Alignment and the Housing Debate Craig Simmons serves as town supervisor. Councilmember Dan Barufaldi is aligned with Connect Ghent, according to an October 23 post on the group's Facebook page. Barufaldi also chairs the town's newly formed Affordable Housing Committee, which the Town of Ghent says will be tasked with recommending affordable housing solutions to the Town Board consistent with the town's recently updated Comprehensive Plan — a backdrop that gives extra weight to both candidates' housing proposals heading into Election Day.
