Paula Kay emerges victorious in Open Race for New York State’s 100th Assembly District

November 6, 2024 TruthUSA

Democratic candidate Paula Kay secured victory in New York state’s 100th Assembly District on Nov. 5, as per unofficial election results from the state Board of Elections.

With 85 percent of precincts reporting, Kay garnered 25,149 votes, while her Republican opponent, Lou Ingrassia, Jr., received 23,174 votes.

Kay campaigned on the platform of “people over politics,” contrasting with Ingrassia’s conservative views.

The 100th Assembly District encompasses Middletown city and Wallkill town in Orange County, along with the majority of Sullivan County.

In Orange County, Kay dominated in Middletown’s urban areas, with Ingrassia leading in the rural regions of Wallkill, giving Kay a net advantage of around 2,000 votes, reported the county Board of Elections.

The candidates are neck and neck in Sullivan County.

“I am incredibly grateful for the immense support, particularly from the residents of Middletown and Wallkill,” Kay expressed in a statement to The Epoch Times.

“I am eager to start representing all constituents of the 100th Assembly District.”

Ingrassia remarked in a statement on Nov. 6, “I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stood by me throughout this journey.

“While we didn’t meet our objectives, I am proud of the strides we made and the connections we established… we have set the foundation for a brighter future.”

Lou Ingrassia in Middletown, N.Y., on Oct. 3, 2024. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times) — Lou Ingrassia in Middletown, N.Y., on Oct. 3, 2024. Cara Ding/The Epoch Times

Aileen Gunther, a seasoned Democratic incumbent in the district, opted not to run for re-election this cycle.

Kay, a veteran lawyer, previously served in the New York City legislature before relocating with her family to Rock Hill, Sullivan County, in 1994 for a better quality of life.

During her time in Sullivan, she worked alongside Assemblyman Jake Gunther in negotiations with the state Department of Transportation concerning welcome signs at highway exits, and then as a legislative director for Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther during her inaugural year in office.

For approximately two decades until 2021, Kay held the position of deputy attorney for the town of Thompson and provided counsel to zoning and planning board members on housing and commercial initiatives, including the high-profile development of the resort district in Monticello over several years.

She was part of the team that assisted Thompson in securing one of the state’s few casino licenses in 2014, and facilitated the project through the planning board and building department processes prior to the grand opening of Resorts World Catskills in early 2018.

Following the casino launch, the district later welcomed the Kartrite indoor waterpark and a revitalized golf club.

Kay previously informed The Epoch Times that her primary focuses are housing, health care, public safety, and backing first responders and small businesses.

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