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Orangetown Democratic Committee Endorses Elijah Reichlin-Melnick for NYS Senate

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6 years ago

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ORANGEBURG, NY – The Orangetown Democratic Committee (ODC) has issued the following statement announcing its endorsement of Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, a Democrat running for the New York 38th State Senate District.

Backed by an overwhelming vote of our membership, the Orangetown Democratic Committee has endorsed Nyack Village Trustee Elijah Reichlin-Melnick for State Senate in the upcoming June 23 District 38 Democratic Primary. Reichlin-Melnick is an elected Nyack Village Trustee, and is also the legislative director for State Senator James Skoufis, who represents north Rockland and Orange County. Previously, Elijah worked as an elementary school teacher and for a non-profit focused on regional planning and local government issues in the Hudson Valley. He has also worked for members of Congress Nita Lowey and Eliot Engel, and served as assistant to former Orangetown Supervisor Andy Stewart.

With the Committee unable to physically meet during the pandemic emergency, the endorsement was accomplished through the solicitation of statements from each candidate in the Democratic primary race. The statements were shared with all committee members along with an online poll. 91 members completed the poll and over 90% voted to endorse Reichlin-Melnick compared to 5% for other candidates and the remainder for no-endorsement. Based on the results of the poll, the Executive Committee moved forward with an endorsement on behalf of the full committee.

“We typically do not endorse candidates in primary elections,” said Michael Hogan, the Committee Chair, “but the current pandemic has shown that we need the best possible leaders at all levels of government. By virtue of his experience, intelligence, and energy, Elijah is that
kind of leader. We hope that, as some of the folks in the 38th District who know Elijah best, our endorsement will help persuade other Democrats in Rockland and Westchester to join us to send him to fight for us in Albany.”

“I’ve had the privilege of working with members of the Orangetown Democratic Committee for many years,” said Reichlin-Melnick, “fighting alongside them for school funding, affordable healthcare, property tax relief, and ending gun violence. I’m gratified that my friends in Orangetown are supporting me in my campaign to help make New York work for everyone, not just the wealthy and well-connected.”

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

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4 months ago

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January 19, 2026

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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.

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

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10 months ago

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July 23, 2025

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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.

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