Write a commentBatavia native with decades of business experience and deep community roots answers rural America's clarion call for authentic representation
Diana Kastenbaum, former CEO of Pinnacle Manufacturing Company, Inc., and longtime community advocate, recently announced her candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in New York's 24th Congressional District in 2026.
Kastenbaum brings a unique combination of business leadership, educational work, community organizing experience, and deep roots in rural New York to her campaign. As one of the few women owners and CEOs of tool and die casting companies in North America, she most recently led Pinnacle Manufacturing for the last decade before selling the family business in 2023.
"Throughout my career, I've focused on building businesses, strengthening communities, and fighting for our neighbors and families particularly here in rural New York," said Kastenbaum. "I've seen how neighbors show up for neighbors, and when one of us struggles, we all step up. I'll bring that same heart and spirit to Washington."
Kitchen Table Issues for Rural Communities
Kastenbaum's campaign centers on what she calls "kitchen table issues" that directly impact rural families across NY-24. Through organizing and participating in over five town halls since March 2025, she has identified key concerns including protecting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, preserving rural healthcare infrastructure, supporting veterans' services, maintaining educational funding, and addressing manufacturing and agricultural workforce challenges.
"Our rural hospitals and nursing homes depend on Medicaid funding to serve our communities," Kastenbaum explained. "Our farmers need workers who are willing to do the essential work of feeding America. Our veterans deserve the services they've earned through their honorable service. These aren't partisan issues – they're neighbor issues."
Proven Business Leadership
Diana knows what it means to make payroll, build customer relationships, and create something that lasts. She's created jobs, supported families, and understands the challenges facing small businesses and manufacturers in rural America. Before leading Pinnacle Manufacturing, she spent 25 years running her own company that trained and developed software for law firms across the country.
Deep Community Commitment
As a Trustee of SUNY Genesee Community College, Kastenbaum has fought for accessible, affordable education that prepares students for good careers. She serves on both state and national community college trustee organizations, advocating for students and institutions in Albany and Washington. Her expertise has led to appointments on the Advanced Manufacturing Advisory Committee for Genesee Community College and the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Rural National Advisory Council, where she helps shape workforce development programs.
Kastenbaum's love for the arts began in her early years as an actress in New York, where she met her husband Hiram Kasten, a well-known actor and comedian. As professionals in the entertainment industry, both were long-time union members of Actors Equity and SAG/AFTRA. Her devotion to the arts continued throughout her life, leading her to serve on the board of GOART! (Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council). She believes strongly that the arts are necessary and important in a civilized society, uplifting and inspiring people.
She has also served on the board of The Landmark Society of Genesee County, helping preserve the history and character that make the region special.
Political Experience and Grassroots Organizing
Kastenbaum's political journey includes running for Batavia City Council in 2013 and serving as the Democratic nominee for Congress in NY-27 in 2016. She helped launch VoteRiders, a national organization dedicated to ensuring every eligible citizen can exercise their right to vote, and organized grassroots events for Public Citizen to fight the Citizens United decision.
Most recently, she co-founded Concerned Citizens for NY-24, organizing town halls across the district to give neighbors a voice on issues that matter most to their families.
The Lake District
NY-24, which Kastenbaum describes as "The Lake District," stretches from Lake Ontario in Niagara County through the Genesee Valley, encompasses the Finger Lakes region, and extends east to the Saint Lawrence Seaway. The district's rural character and agricultural economy face unique challenges that require representation that understands both business realities and community values.
"From the shores of Lake Ontario through the beautiful Genesee Valley to the gorgeous Finger Lakes and beyond, we've always looked out for each other as neighbors," said Kastenbaum. "I'm ready to answer rural America's clarion call and be the voice our communities need in Congress."
