Legendary Westchester Assemblywoman Sandy Galef announced on Jan. 10 that she will not seek re-election in the 95th District, which includes Ossining, Cortlandt, Peekskill, Croton, and north into Putnam County.
Assemblywoman Galef has been committed to public service both as a volunteer and as an elected official almost her entire life. Galef, 82, was first elected to the Assembly in 1992. Prior to that she served on the Westchester County Board of Legisaltors for 13 years. She is the longest serving member of the Westchester state delegation.
During the 1980’s and 90’s, Galef served as a role model to many young women who wanted to serve in politics, and to progressive-women in her district, which has changed over the years but once included Yorktown.
Galef has been a leading advocate for legislative reform in Albany as well as being deeply involved in matters pertaining to education, tax reduction, government efficiency, environmental/clean energy issues, consumer issues, health, voting rights, organ donation, the disability community, and senior citizens, among other causes.
“Government is wonderful,” Galef said. “For people who are doubters about government being wonderful, they should talk to me.”
Galef said that upcoming redistricting, and that she thinks it time for her to do other things, led to her decision, adding that she is still energenic and plans to stay involved in the Ossining community where she lives.
Galef has worked on safety at the Indian Point Power plant for most of her career in the Asssembly. Recently, she opposed the legalization of marijuana.
Galef was proud to endorse Gov. Kathy Hochul for re-election before NYAG James dropped out. “Governor Hochul has done an exceptional job assuming the position of Governor of New York and it is my hope that she will continue in that office in the years to follow. I have worked with the governor for many years on issues that were important to our residents. She has visited my assembly district often, has engaged in state budget discussions locally, and has been a state official that is very accessible to other elected officials as well as the public. I urge others to support Governor Hochul and keep her working for us.”
Westchester County Executive George Latimer, who served with Galef on the County Board, said Galef “redefines the level of approachability of an elected official.”
Former Peekskill Mayor Andre Rainey immediately announced his candidacy to replace Galef.
“Sandy Galef is an institution and there isn’t a person who doesn’t know her, hasn’t been touched by her, or who has not benefitted from the work she has done on behalf of all of us. I am so appreciative of the partnership we have had over the years and the work she has done to make all of our communities better,” said Rainey. “As we move forward, we need to ensure this district has a representative in Albany with a proven track record of delivering for the people they represent: fighting for our youth and ensuring our public schools are appropriately funded for the long-term; ensuring residents can afford to continue living here by investing in affordable housing for working families and our seniors, keeping property taxes low for homeowners, and ensuring we have strong rent regulations that protect tenants. At the same time, New York State must move forward leading the country in advancing a climate agenda that secures the future of our state and our children.”
Rainey, who was elected twice as Peekskill Mayor before declining to run again last year, was called “the future of the Democratic Party,” said Peekskill Democratic Chairwoman Drew Claxton. “He is a dynamic, accomplished, positive force in this region, who has actually gotten results. I cannot think of a more qualified and more positive addition to the New York State Assembly than Andre Rainey.”
