Rockland County Heads to the Polls With Major Congressional, State Senate, Assembly and Local Races on the Ballot

Election Day has arrived, and voters across Rockland County are heading to the polls today, Tuesday, November 3, to cast their ballots in a wide range of federal, statewide, county, town, and village elections.

Polls opened at 6:00 a.m. and will remain open until 9:00 p.m., giving residents throughout Monsey, Spring Valley, New Square, Airmont, Chestnut Ridge, Suffern, New City, Nanuet, Haverstraw, Stony Point, Orangetown, and other Rockland County communities an opportunity to participate in the 2026 General Election.

This year’s election follows months of campaigning, endorsements, community meetings, and candidate visits, with several races drawing considerable attention throughout Rockland County’s Orthodox Jewish community.

Early voting concluded Sunday, November 1, following nine days of voting that began October 24. Rockland County saw a reported 81% increase in early voting participation compared with the 2022 midterm election, reflecting a significant rise in ballots cast ahead of Election Day.

One of the most closely watched local contests is the race for New York’s 38th State Senate District, where incumbent Republican State Senator Bill Weber is seeking reelection against Democratic challenger Joe Rand, the Mayor of Nyack.

The contest has generated extensive activity throughout Monsey and surrounding communities, with both candidates spending considerable time meeting with Rabbonim, community leaders, askanim, and representatives of local mosdos.

In recent weeks, numerous Rabbonim and community organizations have publicly expressed support for Weber, citing concerns about religious freedom, education, parental rights, and the balance of power in Albany.

At the same time, Rand has received support from other community leaders and groups who have emphasized his record as Mayor of Nyack, his accessibility, and the importance of securing additional government funding and resources for local communities.

The race has prompted broader discussions within the community about legislative priorities, government funding, and representation in Albany.

Weber is running on the Republican and Conservative lines, while Rand appears on the Democratic and Working Families lines.

In Rockland County’s other State Senate contest, incumbent Democratic State Senator Pete Harckham faces Republican challenger Sergio Esposito in the 40th District.

The district includes portions of Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam counties.

Harckham is running on the Democratic and Working Families lines, while Esposito appears on the Republican and Conservative lines.

Both State Senate races will determine who represents their respective districts in Albany for the next two years.

In New York’s 17th Congressional District, Republican Congressman Mike Lawler is seeking another two-year term against Democratic challenger Cait Conley.

The district includes all of Rockland County, Putnam County, and portions of Westchester and Dutchess counties.

The race has drawn considerable attention throughout the Hudson Valley, with the candidates campaigning on issues including affordability, taxes, public safety, immigration, and federal spending.

Lawler has made numerous appearances throughout Rockland County, including meetings with Rabbonim and community leaders, while Conley has campaigned across the district discussing her priorities and positions on federal issues.

Lawler appears on the Republican and Conservative lines, while Conley is running on the Democratic and Working Families lines.

New York voters are also deciding the state’s next governor, with incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul seeking another four-year term against Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County Executive.

Hochul is running alongside Lieutenant Governor candidate Adrienne Adams, while Blakeman’s running mate is Todd Hood.

The statewide campaign has focused on issues including affordability, taxes, public safety, housing, education, and the direction of state government.

Both gubernatorial campaigns have also sought support from Orthodox Jewish communities across New York, including Rockland County.

Two additional statewide offices are on the ballot.

Democratic Attorney General Letitia James is seeking reelection against Republican challenger Saritha Komatireddy.

Meanwhile, Democratic State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli faces Republican Joseph Hernandez.