Marc Molinaro says he’s ready to return to state politics, launching a campaign for the New York Assembly after serving in the Trump administration. The former congressman and Dutchess County executive announced Monday that he has officially resigned as director of the Federal Transit Administration, a job he’d held since August.

Minaro’s former district included the Jewish community of Sullivan County, in which he formed strong relationships with Jewish leaders and staunchly opposed antisemitism.

In a Substack post explaining his move, Molinaro acknowledged how the shift might look to some. “To some, leaving a federal leadership role to serve in a state legislature may look like a step backward. I understand that perception. Public service is often measured by titles or proximity to power – and distant from the people,” he wrote. “I take issue with that,” he added, saying that, in his view, “Public service is about standing closer- closer to families, closer to communities, and closer to the challenges that shape daily life.”

Molinaro confirmed he will run this November for the 102nd Assembly District, currently represented by fellow Republican Chris Tague, who is seeking a state Senate seat. His expected return to Albany, first reported by Politico, had been circulating in political circles for days.

He reiterated his point again on Substack: “To some, leaving a federal leadership role to serve in a state legislature may look like a step backward. I understand that perception,” followed by his belief that “Public service is about standing closer… closer to families, closer to communities, and closer to the challenges that shape daily life.”

Now 50, Molinaro has spent most of his career in public office. Before his federal role, he spent about ten years as Dutchess County executive and previously served in the state Assembly until 2011. He ran for governor in 2018, later winning a single term in Congress representing New York’s 19th District.

He lost his re-election bid in 2024 to Democrat Josh Riley in a highly competitive race, ending his brief tenure in Washington. After a year at the Federal Transit Administration, he is once again shifting gears.

With the 102nd Assembly District – a long-standing Republican stronghold – shifting players, Molinaro is the latest to step into the fray. As he wrote, “Call it what you wish. For me, this is a comeback – rooted in a simple truth: the future of New York will be decided by those willing to fight for the families and communities counting on us.”