In Brief- Indivisible Ulster endorsed Democratic state Sen. Jen Metzger Monday in her re-election campaign against Republican challenger Mike Martucci.

The progressive grassroots group, formed after President Trump’s election in 2016, cited her legislative accomplishments in their endorsement, especially her work towards reducing regulatory burdens on farms and battling the Lyme epidemic.

Metzger – who has gotten Lyme five times – helped secure funding for Lyme research after a million-dollar investment was slashed from the current state budget.

Indivisible Ulster also mentioned her work towards passing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which seeks to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the state by 85 percent by 2050.

Indivisible Ulster is part of the Indivisible NY-19 umbrella group, which has only endorsed democrats.

Metzger also picked up an endorsement from the nonprofit group Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson earlier this week.

The 99-percent group was formed in 2012 to fight foreclosures after the financial crisis but has focused on immigrant rights in recent years. This is the first time the group has endorsed candidates for state Senate.

Metzger is facing a challenge from Republican Mike Martucci of Wawayanda, who opened a campaign committee last October.

Martucci founded Quality Bus Service in Orange County at the age of 22, eventually expanding it to employ hundreds of people, according to his campaign website. He also lobbied extensively for more stringent standards in hiring school bus drivers.

He became president of the New York School Bus Contractors Association in 2015, according to School Bus Fleet.

Martucci’s platform includes opposing the recent bail reforms that eliminated cash bail for most non-violent felonies, a reform Martucci argues makes families in the state less safe.

“Our progressive state senator has put the rights of felons over our families by passing laws that eliminate bail for criminals charged with horrible crimes against children,” Martucci’s campaign page states, taking a swipe at Metzger.

Metzger has raised far more money than Martucci for November’s election, but she had nearly a year’s start over her challenger.

Metzger raised about $190,000 in individual contributions from when she took office in January 2019 until January 15 of this year, the latest financial disclosure date, according to the state Board of Elections.

Martucci raised about $15,000 between November 2019 and January 15, according to the Board of Elections.