Joe Rand Defeats State Senator Bill Weber, Flips Rockland County's 38th Senate District

Democrat Joe Rand, the Mayor of Nyack, has defeated Republican State Senator Bill Weber in New York’s 38th Senate District, flipping the closely watched Rockland County seat following an intense campaign that attracted significant attention throughout the region.

Rand’s victory marks a change in Rockland County’s representation in Albany and returns the Senate district to Democratic control after Weber first captured the seat in November 2022 by defeating then-Democratic incumbent Elijah Reichlin-Melnick.

The election was among the most closely followed political contests in Rockland County, with both campaigns dedicating considerable time and resources to reaching voters throughout the district, particularly within the Orthodox Jewish communities of Ramapo.

Rand, who has served as Mayor of Nyack, campaigned on affordability, infrastructure improvements, education funding, and securing additional state resources for Rockland County. He emphasized his experience in local government and his relationships with state officials as part of his campaign for the Senate seat.

Throughout the campaign, Rand conducted extensive outreach across Rockland County, meeting with numerous Rabbonim, community leaders, elected officials, and residents. His campaign also highlighted efforts to address child care assistance funding and other financial challenges facing local families.

Weber, who was seeking another term in Albany, campaigned on public safety, affordability, opposition to costly state policies, and his record of constituent services and infrastructure funding. He also spent considerable time visiting communities throughout the district and meeting with local leaders.

The race attracted attention from both major political parties, with Republicans seeking to retain the seat and Democrats working to regain control of the district.

Rand’s victory ends Weber’s tenure in the State Senate and gives Democrats another seat in the New York State Legislature.

Rand will begin his two-year term in January 2027, representing the 38th Senate District in Albany.