Candidate Profile: NYS Assemblyman John McGowan Seeks Reelection

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — In 2024's general election, residents of the Hudson Valley will be voting for federal, state and local officials. In anticipation, Patch asked candidates in the region's contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Assemblyman John McGowan was elected to serve in the New York State Assembly in 2022. His district (District 97) is comprised of parts of Rockland County, including the towns of Ramapo and Orangetown. He faces Democrat Aron Wieder in the general election.

Assemblyman John McGowan

mcgowan4ny.com

Assemblyman John McGowan is a lifelong Rockland County resident, former prosecutor, and practicing attorney.

EXPERIENCE

• NYS Assemblyman representing District 97 (Orangetown and Ramapo), elected in 2022
• Former Rockland County Legislator representing District 15, (Pearl River, Nanuet, and Chestnut Ridge), served from 2020 to 2022
• Founding Member and Principal Attorney, McGowan Law, PLLC, admitted to practice law in New York State and federal court in New York, November 2023 to present
• Partner, Bleakley Platt & Schmidt LLP, 2017 to 2023
• Senior Assistant District Attorney, Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, and Assistant District Attorney, Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, 2011 to 2017
• Adjunct Professor, St. Thomas Aquinas College, 2013 to 2019
• Faculty Advisor, Orangetown Youth Court, 2018 to 2022
• COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & PERSONAL
• John is a lifelong Rockland County/Orangetown resident (current Pearl River homeowner)
• 2023 Irish Echo “Forty Under 40 Award” Recipient
• 2013 Rockland Economic Development Corporation Forty Under 40 Award Recipient
• Past President, Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians (2017-2023)
• Member, Pearl River Elks Lodge #2041, St. Dominic’s Knights of Columbus, Rockland County Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick
• Volunteer, American Legion Post 329, and Lourdes Kids of Rockland ASCPG 602
• When not working or campaigning, John enjoys spending time with his wife, Christine, and their two dogs, Finnegan (“Finn”) and Shilelagh (“Shay”)
• John is an avid musician; he has played guitar since age 13 and the bagpipes since he was in college
• John is a diehard NY Yankees and NY Giants fan and an aspiring golfer

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking re-election to the NYS Assembly because our mission to make New York State a better place to live, raise a family, own a business, and feel safe remains unfulfilled and there is more work to be done. We must lower costs, decrease crime, and ensure a quality education for all our children. Residents of Orangetown, Ramapo, and Rockland County feel unheard, their hard-earned quality of life is endangered, and many are leaving because New York is unaffordable, unsafe, and unresponsive to the needs of its people. We must reverse course.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I stand for transparency, common sense, and representing all residents in Orangetown and Ramapo to the best of my ability. As a former prosecutor in Rockland’s Special Victims Unit and the Bronx's Child Abuse/Sex Crimes Bureau, I’ve dedicated my career to serving everyone, especially the most vulnerable.

Meanwhile Aron Wieder, the Democratic candidate, has a public record tainted by state Comptroller investigations and audits for misuse of tax dollars, ethics violations, and poor stewardship of the East Ramapo School Board.

I’ve fought to protect local control over zoning and development, delivered record funding for our parks, libraries, and schools, supported our first responders, opposed congestion pricing and migrant resettlement schemes, and stood up for schoolchildren districtwide.

As for Thomas Sullivan, the conservative nominee, he’s a plant by Aron Wieder and his supporters intended to siphon votes away from the honest and transparent candidate for all residents in the district - me. Just like his previous candidacy against Ed Day in 2017, Sullivan is running as a phony candidate to help Aron Wieder win this seat.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Improving the state economy; combating inflation; reducing wasteful spending; supporting workers and small businesses; addressing the impacts of the migrant crisis; preserving our quality of life; protecting local control over zoning, development, and the environment; expanding funding for schools, parks, and libraries; ensuring transparency and reform; standing with law enforcement and first responders to increase public safety; permanently repealing congestion pricing.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am proud of my record of service—as a former prosecutor in the Bronx and Rockland, as a Rockland County legislator, and now as your Assemblyman. I’ve also been an adjunct professor at STAC, a faculty advisor for the Orangetown Youth Court, and active in local organizations like the Ancient Order of Hibernians, each reflecting my commitment to our community.

In the Assembly, my achievements include passing the Orangetown Community Preservation Bill to protect open spaces and preserve Rockland’s character, working across the aisle to defeat Governor Hochul’s attempt to remove the “hold harmless” provision, which ensures our school districts are protected from cuts in state aid, and blocking her housing mandates that would have overridden local zoning and promoted overdevelopment. We secured Tier 6 pension reforms to support public servants, prevented radioactive wastewater dumping in the Hudson River, and successfully pushed for congestion pricing’s indefinite pause, which would have unfairly impacted Rockland County commuters.

I’m honored to be endorsed by a broad coalition, including labor unions, law enforcement, firefighters, and the New York State Teachers Union. There’s more work ahead, and I believe I stand on a strong record of accomplishments to continue making a positive impact for our community, addressing our challenges with practical, commonsense solutions that reflect our values and priorities.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Do the right thing, always.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I’m deeply committed to our community and maintaining the quality of life we’ve all worked hard to build. My goal in re-election is to give a voice to the concerns we share and a choice, not to seek personal recognition, elevation, or gamesmanship. Having grown up here, I’m dedicated to ensuring that my family, and yours, can enjoy the same great neighborhoods we’ve always known. With my first child on the way, I’m more invested than ever in Rockland’s future. No matter your political views, we must come together to protect what makes Rockland special, and I’d be honored to have your support.