Politics

Democracy for America Endorses Mondaire Jones for Congress in NY-17

Published

6 years ago

December 17, 2019

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – Democracy for America (DFA) announced its endorsement of Mondaire Jones to represent New York’s 17th Congressional district following the retirement of Rep. Nita Lowey.

Jones jumped into the race in July 2019 prior to Lowey’s decision to retire. If elected, Jones would be the first Black, openly gay member of Congress. Mondaire perviously worked for the Obama administration, and who grew up in the Spring Valley. He most recently served as an attorney in Westchester County’s Law Department.

“At Democracy for America, we’ve long believed that we must change the kind of leaders running our country if we want our country to change. We’re honored to endorse Mondaire Jones in this race for Congress in New York’s 17th Congressional District because we know he’ll be the kind of fresh, bold, and progressive leader his community and our country needs in Washington in the years ahead.” said Yvette Simpson, CEO, Democracy for America

“I am humbled to have the support of Democracy for America in my campaign to represent the people of New York’s 17th Congressional District. Growing up poor, black, and gay, raised by a single mom who worked multiple jobs to provide for our family, I never imagined someone like me could make it to the halls of Congress. I’m running for Congress because, for me, policy is personal. If we are going to change Washington, we need to change the kind of people we send there. We need more representatives who understand the lived experiences of millions of Americans who face economic insecurity every day. In my crowded primary, I am the only candidate supporting Medicare for All and student debt forgiveness. I’m prepared to fight for the big, structural solutions we need to make sure working-class people get a fair shot in our economy and that people like me are treated equally under the law.” — Mondaire Jones, Candidate, New York’s 17th Congressional District

Democracy for America is Jones’s first endorsement from a national, progressive organization and just the seventh non-incumbent candidate for U.S. House to be endorsed by the grassroots progressive group ahead of 2020.

Check out Jones’ First Campaign Ad – “Dirt Path”

Politics

Brett Yagel Announces Candidacy for New York State Assembly in 96th District

Published

3 months ago

January 19, 2026

Rockland Report Editor

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Brett Yagel, the former Mayor of the Village of Pomona has officially announced his candidacy for the New York State Assembly in the 96th District.

Below you can read Yagel’s full announcement:

“I am proud to announce that I am seeking the support of the Republican and Conservative Parties as a candidate for the New York State Assembly in the 96th District.
I am not a career politician. I am a problem solver. As Mayor and as a professional working for one of the world’s largest defense contractors, I have spent my career focused on results, accountability, and getting complex jobs done the right way. Leadership and responsibility are not abstract concepts to me. They are values I have lived every day in public service and in the private sector.

Albany is broken. It is dominated by career politicians who create problems, expand government, and then ask for more power to fix the very messes they created. The people of the 96th District deserve better than politics as usual.

Our district needs a leader with real world experience, common sense, and the courage to challenge the status quo. I am ready to bring accountability, fiscal responsibility, and practical,
results driven solutions to Albany. Most importantly, I will be a strong and independent voice for the hardworking families of the 96th District.

If you are tired of excuses and ready for real results, I would be honored to earn your support.”

Yagel will running against incumbent Assemblyman Patrick Carroll.

Politics

Congressman Mike Lawler Announces Bid for Reelection to Congress, Will Not Run for Governor

Published

9 months ago

July 23, 2025

Rockland Report Editor

Rockland County, NY — Congressman Mike Lawler, a lifelong Rockland County resident and graduate of Suffern High School, officially announced today that he will seek reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives, putting to rest speculation that he might enter the race for Governor of New York.

Lawler, who represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, said his decision to remain focused on Congress reflects his commitment to continuing the work he’s started on behalf of Hudson Valley residents. Since taking office in January 2023, Lawler’s office has closed over 6,000 constituent service cases and successfully returned more than $27.2 million to residents throughout the district.

One of his signature achievements has been his leadership in reforming the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap. Under Lawler’s advocacy, the SALT cap was quadrupled to $40,000, providing significant tax relief to middle-class families across the region for the next ten years.

Lawler’s decision not to run for governor preserves his role as a key Republican voice in a competitive swing district, and positions him for what is expected to be a closely watched race in 2026.
About Congressman Mike Lawler:

New York’s 17th Congressional District, includes Rockland and portions of Westchester and Putnam County.