There are 11 women running for political office in the upcoming Orange County election.

News 12’s Blaise Gomez spoke with several candidates hoping to occupy a spot.

“I’m 22 years old and I’m running for City Council,” says Newburgh Council candidate Giselle Martinez.

The candidates tell News 12, in a year of firsts they aren’t asking to take up space anymore, they’re demanding it. “It’s just time. We’ve been listening and we’ve not been heard,” says one candidate.

“Over the course of the past couple of years, we’ve seen how the voices of women can help make things move better,” says Orange County Legislative candidate Sue Bahren.

News 12 is told the women yearn for change when it comes to mental health, domestic violence, family planning and pandemic relief.

Although there’s been a status quo within the county for years, Orange County Legislative candidate Generis Ramos is making a statement, saying in part, “I belong here just like any man belongs here. And the reality is that I feel like that’s the theme for most of us.”