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Mondaire Jones Declared Winner in Democratic Primary in NY 17th Congressional District

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6 years ago

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NYACK, NY  — The AP has called the race for Rockland County resident Mondaire Jones. After receiving at least 32,335 votes, comprising over 42 percent of ballots cast compared to his second-place competitor’s 16 percent, Mondaire Jones released the following statement:

“One year after launching my historic bid for United States Congress, I am honored to announce that I have secured the Democratic nomination to represent New York’s 17th Congressional District. I received nearly three times as many votes as the second-place finisher in a crowded, 8-person primary, despite being outspent by the second-place finisher (the son of a billionaire) more than 3-to-1.

From the start, I have said that I am running for Congress because, for me, policy is personal. We get better policy outcomes when our elected officials have lived experiences that give them a personal understanding of the policies being debated in the corridors of power, and a sense of urgency to implement big, structural improvements.

Growing up poor, black, and gay, I never imagined someone like me could run for Congress, let alone win. Indeed, in the 244-year history of the United States, there has never been an openly gay, black member of Congress. That changes this year, thanks to the great people of New York’s 17th Congressional District.

Of course, I was never running to make history. Rather, this campaign began with the simple idea that government has never worked for everyone, and it must do more for the American people. It is the idea that we can save the planet from climate catastrophe and ensure a livable future for generations to come. It is the idea that in the richest nation in the history of the world, we can ensure health care for everyone–and I mean everyone. It is the idea that all children, regardless of the circumstances of their birth, are entitled to a quality, public education. It is the idea that, in a civilized society, we can finally deliver racial justice for communities of color in this country.

Journalists will write that I outmaneuvered my rivals at every stage of this campaign. But I would rather the narrative simply be that on June 23rd, Democrats nominated a champion for working people, and that I had the best team a billion dollars could not buy.”

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

Published

3 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

Published

9 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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