Paula Kay Wins Open Race for New York State’s 100th Assembly District

Paula Kay in Monticello, N.Y., on Oct. 8, 2024. Cara Ding/The Epoch Times

Democratic candidate Paula Kay won the open seat in New York state’s 100th Assembly District on Nov. 5, according to unofficial election results from the state Board of Elections.

With 85 percent of precincts reported, Kay received 25,149 votes, compared to 23,174 votes for her Republican opponent, Lou Ingrassia, Jr.

Kay also ran on the “people over politics” line and Ingrassia on the conservative ticket.

The 100th Assembly District covers the city of Middletown and the town of Wallkill in Orange County, as well as most of Sullivan County.

In Orange County, Kay carried the urban centers in Middletown, whereas Ingrassia carried the surrounding rural areas in Wallkill, resulting in a net advantage of about 2,000 votes for Kay, according to the county Board of Elections.

The two candidates are almost tied in Sullivan County.

“I am so grateful for the overwhelming support, especially in the city of Middletown and the town of Wallkill,” Kay said in a statement to The Epoch Times.

“I am ready to get to work on behalf of all the residents of the 100th Assembly District.”

Ingrassia said in a statement on Nov. 6, “I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who supported me on this journey.

“Although we fell short of our goals, I am proud of the progress we made and the connections we built ... we have laid the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow.”

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

Aileen Gunther, a longtime Democratic incumbent in the district, did not seek reelection this fall.

Kay, a veteran attorney, worked in the New York City legislature before moving with her family to Rock Hill, Sullivan County, in 1994 for a better quality of life.

While in Sullivan, she worked for Assemblyman Jake Gunther in negotiations with the state Department of Transportation about installing welcome signs at highway exits and then as legislative director for Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther in her first year in office.

For about 20 years until 2021, Kay served as deputy attorney for the town of Thompson and advised zoning and planning board members on housing and commercial projects, including the high-profile, multi-year resort district development in Monticello.

She was on the team that helped Thompson secure one of the few state casino licenses in 2014 and then played a part in getting the project through the planning board and building department processes before the grand opening of Resorts World Catskills in early 2018.

Following the casino, the district later added Kartrite indoor waterpark and a revived golf club.

Kay previously told The Epoch Times that her top priorities are housing, health care, public safety, and supporting first responders and small businesses.