McGowan Runs For State Assembly In 2022: Patch Candidate Profile

McGowan wants to fight wasteful spending, support parents’ rights in their children’s education and protect local control of zoning.

Patch

By Lanning Taliaferro

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — In 2022’s general election, residents of the Hudson Valley will be voting for state and local officials. In anticipation, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Rockland Legislator John W. McGowan has the Republican line on the ballot, vying for New York Assembly in the 97th District against Democrat Eudson Tyson Francois. The incumbent, Assemblyman Mike Lawler, is challenging U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney for the 17th Congressional District seat.

Re-drawn after the 2020 Census, the L-shaped 97th New York Assembly District covers southeastern Rockland and a central corridor.

A Pearl River resident, McGowan, 37, was elected to the Rockland County Legislature from District 15 in 2020. He is an attorney.

Learn more on his campaign website.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking election to NYS Assembly because I believe New York State is at a crossroads; people are leaving to New York because it’s no longer affordable, unsafe, and too onerous to own or build a business. We need to fix this and make New York better to raise a family, own a business, and feel safe.

I am currently an elected official in Rockland; I have served as a Legislator (District 15) since 2020. I am also a practicing attorney in New York State. Previously, I served as a Senior Assistant District Attorney in Rockland. As an attorney and current Legislator, I believe I am well versed in our laws, the needs of the county, and have unique experience as an advocate ready to fight for Rockland. This experience has also taught me to always strive to see the other side and find ways to achieve balance and common ground on issues when possible.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

The incumbent, Mike Lawler, is seeking election to U.S. Congress and, therefore, is no longer seeking re-election to the Assembly. I believe Assembly Lawler has been an excellent advocate for Rockland and tireless in efforts to find solutions to issues. Mike Lawler has endorsed me to run for election for this office.

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

Fighting inflation and wasteful government spending; increasing school aid and parents’ right to have a say in their children’s education; repealing congestion pricing and increasing state aid for transit and infrastructure needs; and protecting local control of zoning and preserving single-family neighborhoods.

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

I have served on the Rockland Legislature since 2020. In that time, I have worked with my colleagues to keep county taxes down, provide necessary services to residents of Rockland, and ensure the safety of first responders. I believe this experience, coupled with my legal background as a practicing attorney and former Senior Assistant District Attorney in Rockland, supports my candidacy for Assembly and ability to perform the duties of this office.

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 am a lifelong Rockland resident and vested in my county and community. I intend to live and stay in Rockland long term and I will never stop fighting for our great county and great state.