Former Wyckoff Mayor, NJ-40 Kevin Rooney Assemblyman To Retire

WYCKOFF, NJ — Former Wyckoff Mayor Kevin Rooney, now a Republican assemblyman representing New Jersey's 40th Legislative District, announced Thursday that he will be retiring from General Assembly at the end of the legislative term.

“This has been something I have been weighing for the past six months, as our family has grown and my business interests have diversified,” Rooney said. “I have spent the last 27+ years of my life in public service. As my time and attention are pulled in different directions, I have come to the decision to finish my legislative term and then turn my focus to those new opportunities."

Rooney's decision not to seek re-election presents a clear path for Essex County Republican Chair Al Barlas to succeed him on the GOP ticket. Barlas announced Thursday that he is running on a three-candidate slate with state Sen. Kristin Corrado and Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips, who are seeking re-election.

“I’m honored to join this team alongside true public servants in Kristin Corrado and Chris DePhillips. I never thought life would bring me to seek public office, but after having served in government, I know that public service is my passion," Barlas said.

Rooney became an assemblyman in December 2016, and was re-elected in 2017, 2019 and 2021. He represents the 40th District— which includes Wyckoff — alongside Corrado and DePhillips, and is the longest serving of the three.

“It has been an honor to work with Kevin in the Legislature since our 40th District team first came together six-and-a-half years ago," Corrado and DePhillips said in response to Rooney's retirement announcement. "He has been a fierce advocate for our residents and unwavering in his commitment to public service."

Prior to being elected to the Legislature, Rooney served for a number of years on the Wyckoff Township Committee, and as Wyckoff mayor three times. He also served as liaison to the town's Public Policy Committee, Shade Tree Commission and Zoning Board, he said on his website.

"I pledge to my constituents in Bergen, Essex, Morris, and Passaic Counties," Rooney said, "that I will complete this term with the same commitment I always have given to providing accessible constituent services and voting based on fiscally conservative principles over the next fourteen months.”