Politics

EMILY’S List endorses Patricia Gunning for Rockland DA

Published

7 years ago

March 16, 2019

Rockland Report Editor

EMILY’S LIST announced on Monday its endorsement of Patricia Gunning for Rockland County District Attorney.

EMILY’s List, is a national political organization that supports Democratic women who endorse abortion rights. It was created in 1985, and most recently help elect Leticia James as New York’s Attorney General. The organization has over 3 million members.

More about Patricia Gunning (via her website)

Patricia Gunning most recently served as Special Prosecutor and Inspector General for the Justice Center. She handled investigation related to reports of abuse and neglect and prosecuted allegations that arose to the level of criminal offenses.

Before that, she served as the Chief of the Special Victims Unit with the Rockland County District Attorney’s office. In that position, she managed all phases of the prosecution of cases involving the abuse and neglect of individuals with mental and physical disabilities, the physical and sexual abuse of children and the elderly, as well as victims of domestic violence. In addition, she conducted training on issues related to special victims for law enforcement officials, medical professionals and local community groups. From 2003 to 2008, Ms. Gunning was an Assistant District Attorney for Kings County, where she served in the Crimes Against Children Bureau. In this position, she also managed cases involving the abuse of individuals with disabilities, working closely with law enforcement and crime victims at all stages of the criminal prosecution, both pre and post arrest. During her tenure, she handled a large volume of both misdemeanor and felony cases.

With more than 14 years experience, Patricia Gunning has prosecuted thousands of cases as an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, Chief of the Rockland District Attorney’s Special Victims Unit, and as Special Prosecutor and Inspector General for the New York State Justice Center.

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.