By Yisroel R.

Republican Rob Bonomolo of Pearl River has announced his candidacy for the New York State Assembly seat in the 97th District, challenging the seat currently held by Democratic Assemblyman Aron Wieder ahead of the upcoming election.

Bonomolo has served on Orangetown’s Zoning Board of Appeals since 2019 and is a construction laborer who serves as president of Laborers Local 754, a union based in Chestnut Ridge. He said he decided to run to represent residents of the district, which represents parts of Orangetown and Ramapo, and described his campaign as an effort “to be a voice for the people of District 97.”

Assemblyman Aaron Wieder was elected to the Assembly in 2024 after defeating Republican John McGowan. Wieder has confirmed that he is seeking a second term and said he plans to run on a solid record in public service.

Democrats currently hold a supermajority in the New York State Assembly, a dynamic Bonomolo acknowledged as he outlined his approach to campaigning and governing.

“I’ll work with anyone, Democrat or Republican, who’s willing to fight for the district,” Bonomolo said. “I may not be a career politician, but I know balls and strikes, and I won’t hesitate to call them as I see them.”