Politics

Democratic Chairs Respond, Call on Assemblyman Schmitt to Resign

Published

5 years ago

February 16, 2021

“Democrats and Republicans are expected to disagree on issues. It is a sad day, however, when our counterparts are attempting to shamelessly politicize the deaths of our fellow New Yorkers. It is remarkable yet unsurprising that the GOP Chairs and Assemblyman Schmitt – who literally boarded a January 6th bus of DC-bound seditionists to root on their efforts to overturn an election – learned absolutely nothing from the travesty of the insurrection. We need to rid our political discourse of conspiracy theories and outright lies yet, on the heels of enabling the attempted coup, Assemblyman Schmitt seems intent on doubling down. He ought to resign in disgrace.

“Here are the facts: a number of chairmen and chairwomen of Senate and Assembly committees met with the Administration and DOH Commissioner last week. To be clear, every Senator and Assembly Member who is doing their job meets with agency officials on a regular basis. The nursing homes answer that has elicited much attention over the past five days was prompted by a pointed question by Senator Skoufis himself as he continues to hold government actors accountable. This comes on the heels of over 40 hours of oversight hearings that Senator Skoufis led as Chairman of the investigations committee. When there were outstanding answers, he threatened subpoenas; within a week and a half, those answers on nursing home deaths were produced.

“In just two years, Senator Skoufis has demonstrated he’s the most effective Chairman of the Senate’s investigations committee that the chamber has seen in recent history. His independence is second to none.

“We saw on January 6th what happens when big lies are told and people are whipped into a frenzy by irresponsible political hacks. We won’t stand by and let it happen again which is why Assemblyman Schmitt needs to resign.”

Kristen Stavisky, Chair of the Rockland County Democratic Committee
Brett Broge, Chair of the Orange County Democratic Committee
Kelleigh McKenzie, Chair of the Ulster County Democratic Committee

You can read the initial Republican statement here.

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.