Politics

Elijah Reichlin-Melnick Declared Winner in 38th Senate District, Weber Concedes

Published

5 years ago

November 28, 2020

rocklandreport

NYACK, NY -Elijah Reichlin-Melnick Declared Winner in 38th Senate District, Weber Concedes

Senator Elect Reichlin-Melnick (Elijah Reichlin-Melnick for Senate) released the following statement:

Eleven months ago, we started this journey and today, two weeks after Election Day, I’m so excited to share the news with you that we have won this race!

With about 16,000 absentee ballots counted, we now have a 1,766 vote lead over Bill Weber! While there are still about 19,000 absentee ballots to be counted, the remaining ballots are from the two most Democratic towns in the district and come overwhelmingly from Democratic voters, meaning this lead will only grow once the final ballots are counted. [UPDATE – the lead is already growing. At around 5pm we got our final update on the count for today, which has pushed our lead up to 2,615 votes over Weber. Counting will resume on Wednesday.]

It is the honor of my life to have the opportunity to represent the people of Rockland and Westchester Counties in the New York State Senate. I am so incredibly grateful, really more so than I can even express, to all of you who have donated, volunteered, made phone calls, sent postcards, talked to your friends, offered words of support and advice, and so much more, over the course of this campaign.

To the voters of the 38th District who spoke loudly and clearly that they want to make New York work for everyone, not just the wealthy and the well-connected, thank you so much! We have a lot of work to do, and I look forward to going to Albany to fight for the middle class and working people of our district.

I want to thank Bill Weber for participating in this process and congratulate him on a hard-fought race. And to everyone who voted for Bill, I will be your representative as well, and work to earn your support.

There will be much more to say in the coming days and weeks as the final ballots are counted and we add to this lead, but for now, thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I am excited, and ready to get to work!

UPDATE – As expected our lead is continuing to grow as more votes are counted. We just got our final update for today, an additional 2,395 ballots counted, which has pushed our lead up to 2,615 votes over Weber. Counting will resume on Wednesday.

“Because Elijah has distinguished himself on the Nyack Village Board and as Legislative Director for Senator Skoufis, there is no one better qualified to represent our community in the State Senate. That’s why he won a tremendous victory in all corners of the district and there’s no doubt he will be an extraordinary Senator. “ said Rockland County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Kristen Zebrowski Stavisky.

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.