Mayor Rand Announces Campaign for NY Senate in SD 38

On December 8th, Mayor Joe Rand announced his candidacy for the New York State Senate, District 38. 

“I am a local mayor, where the job is solving problems and getting things done, not playing politics,” Mayor Joe Rand said. “I have also seen firsthand how not having a voice in the State Senate Majority holds our communities back. With our current Republican Minority representation, taxpayers are simply not getting the return on investment they deserve from Albany. I am running to be that Majority voice, to fight for affordability, protect our quality of life, and make sure Rockland families get the results they deserve,” said Rand. 

As Mayor of Nyack, Joe Rand secured the 4.5 million dollar New York Forward grant, one of the largest investments in the village’s history. Rand also won millions more in county, state, and federal funding to revitalize downtown, strengthen infrastructure, support small businesses, and enhance community spaces. Throughout these improvements, Rand kept the village within the two percent tax cap.

In the private sector, Rand helped grow Rockland’s largest real estate brokerage into one of the most successful real estate companies in New York and one of the county’s largest employers, supporting more than 150 employees and 1,200 agents across the region.

Rand holds two degrees from Georgetown University and earned a Masters degree from Stanford. His background includes service as a federal judicial clerk, litigation attorney, and law professor. He lives in Nyack with his wife Linie, a nonprofit leader, and their two children, Jake and Aurelia, along with their dog, Bear.

Former New York State Senator for District 38, Elijah Reichlin-Melnick said, “When I made the decision not to seek election to the State Senate in 2026, I urged Joe Rand to run, because I’ve seen how much he’s accomplished as Nyack’s Mayor, I know he has what it takes to win this race, and I trust his ability to deliver for Rockland County in Albany. Joe is pragmatic and thoughtful, with long experience in the private sector and in government, the exact kind of leader we need in these bitterly divided times. Rockland residents deserve a State Senator with the creativity to come up with bold ideas, the focus to fight to keep Rockland affordable, healthy, and safe, and the power to get results. I enthusiastically endorse Joe Rand for State Senate.”

While voting won’t take place for another ten months,  Rand is amongst the many politicians already deep into their campaigns. The 2026 races should be, if nothing else, very interesting.