Politics

Michael Lawler Running For NYS Assembly District 97

Published

6 years ago

February 25, 2020

PEARL RIVER, NY: Lifelong Rockland County resident and Town of Orangetown Deputy Supervisor Michael Lawler has announced that he will be running for the 97th district of the New York State Assembly. The district is composed of the Towns of Orangetown and Ramapo, and is currently held by Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee since 2012.

Lawler, age 33, is a graduate of Suffern High School and Manhattan College, where he was named Valedictorian. In 2019, City and State selected him as one of the top 50 political consultants in New York.

Michael started his political career in 2008 on the Presidential campaign of United States Senator John McCain. He then spent four years at the New York Republican State Committee, including nearly two-and-a-half years as Executive Director, coinciding with a resurgence that saw Republicans take back control of the New York State Senate, elect seven new Republican Members of Congress, and make significant gains across the state with County Executives, District Attorneys, Sheriff’s, Clerks and County Legislators. He has also served in local government, previously working in the Westchester County Executive’s office.

“Mike has been an invaluable part of our team and understands how to put together a winning campaign, but I’ve long believed Mike has more to offer not just to our party, but Rockland County. As a Suffern High School graduate and Pearl River resident, Mike knows the people of this district and has the skills, intellect, and work ethic to serve as our next Assemblyman. I’m proud to support Mike and look forward to helping him win in November.” said Rockland County Republican Party Chairman Lawrence Garvey.

“Michael Lawler as Chairman of the Orangetown Committee is a valued asset and will be a strong leader in the NYS assembly. The Ramapo Republican Committee is proud to support his candidacy for the 97th Assembly District.” said Ramapo Republican Committee Chairman Marino Fontanta.

The 97th Assembly District is currently held by longtime Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee. Lawler is the most significant and qualified challenger Jaffee has ever faced. With running mate Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann running for NYS Senate, this is by far the most serious slate of candidates the Rockland County Republican Party has fielded for state elected offices.

Michael who grew up in Nanuet before moving to Suffern, lives in Pearl River (NY) with his wife Doina.

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.