Rockland County, NY – Democratic challenger and Nyack Mayor Joe Rand has defeated incumbent Republican State Senator Bill Weber in New York’s 38th Senate District, marking a significant political shift in Rockland County following the November 3, 2026, general election.
Although the election results have not yet been officially certified, Weber called Rand Tuesday night to concede the race, according to information provided to Rockland News.
Unofficial results published by the Rockland County Board of Elections early Wednesday morning showed Rand receiving 61,610 votes, or 54.06%, compared with Weber’s 52,258 votes, or 45.85%. The margin of 9,352 votes represents a substantial victory for Rand in a district that Republicans had controlled since 2022.
Weber first won the Senate seat in November 2022, defeating Democratic incumbent Elijah Reichlin-Melnick. He was reelected in 2024 before facing Rand, a former Nyack village trustee who became the village’s mayor in 2023.
Rand’s victory returns the 38th Senate District to Democratic representation and will bring a new voice to Albany when the next legislative session begins in January 2027.
Campaign Issues and the Debate Controversy
Throughout the campaign, both candidates emphasized their experience in government, their records of public service, and their plans for addressing Rockland County’s financial challenges.
Rand focused on securing additional state funding for local municipalities, expanding housing opportunities, improving infrastructure, and addressing rising living expenses. He frequently pointed to his experience as Nyack’s mayor and his efforts to obtain state grants and financial assistance.
Weber highlighted his legislative record, funding for schools and roads, constituent services, and proposals to reduce taxes and government regulations. He also emphasized public safety and the importance of making New York more affordable for residents and businesses.
However, one issue that remained part of the campaign discussion was Weber’s reluctance to accept several invitations to participate in public, head-to-head debates with Rand.
Rockland News published multiple articles addressing the issue, beginning October 1, when Rand’s campaign announced that it had accepted debate invitations from Rockland Community College, Rockland News, and Rockland Daily. At that time, Weber had not publicly accepted those invitations.
On October 7, Rockland News published an editorial urging both candidates to participate in at least one moderated debate before Election Day. The editorial emphasized that voters should have an opportunity to compare the candidates’ positions directly, rather than relying exclusively on campaign statements, advertisements, and individual appearances.
The debate issue continued when Rockland News published an October 17 opinion column titled “The Debate That Never Happened,” reporting that Rand had accepted a proposed Rockland News debate while Weber’s campaign manager declined.
Weber, however, maintained that he had participated in candidate forums alongside Rand, including events organized by the Nanuet Civic Association and the Nyack/Spring Valley NAACP. He also expressed his willingness to participate in a scheduled discussion at the New City Jewish Center.
That event ultimately took place on Sunday, November 1, just two days before Election Day and on the final day of early voting. Both candidates participated in a roughly 30-minute debate addressing state funding, housing, infrastructure, energy policy, and other issues.
While Weber did eventually engage directly with Rand, the questions surrounding earlier debate invitations had already received several weeks of public attention.
Whether those questions contributed to Weber’s defeat remains uncertain. Some voters may have considered the availability of public debates when evaluating the candidates, but there is currently no verified evidence establishing how much, if at all, the controversy influenced the election’s outcome.
The result could reflect numerous factors, including the candidates’ policy positions, voter turnout, campaign outreach, party preferences, and broader political conditions.
A Change in Rockland’s Representation
The 38th Senate District includes much of Rockland County, covering communities within Clarkstown, Haverstraw, Orangetown, and Ramapo.
Throughout the campaign, both candidates sought support from residents, civic organizations, business owners, and community leaders across the district.
The contest also attracted attention because of its implications for representation in the Democratic-controlled New York State Senate.
Rand campaigned on his ability to work with state officials and pursue additional resources for Rockland County. Weber emphasized his experience as an incumbent senator and his work representing residents with different political views.
Despite their political differences, the candidates also acknowledged each other’s public service during their November 1 debate.
Weber’s election-night concession represents the conclusion of a closely watched campaign and an acknowledgment of Rand’s apparent victory, although the official electoral process remains ongoing.
Election Results Await Certification
The Rockland County Board of Elections must complete its review and canvassing of ballots before certifying the final results. That process includes accounting for valid absentee, affidavit, and other outstanding ballots.
The unofficial vote totals may change during that process, although Rand’s current lead places him well ahead of Weber.
Once the results are certified, Rand is expected to begin his two-year term in the New York State Senate in January 2027.
His election marks another change in the political representation of Rockland County, where voters have now elected candidates from both major political parties to the 38th Senate District over the past several election cycles.
For Rand, the immediate challenge will be moving from village government to the state Legislature and delivering on his campaign commitments involving school funding, infrastructure, housing, and affordability.
For Weber, the election concludes four years representing the district in Albany, following his victories in 2022 and 2024.
The November 3 election ultimately reflects the decision of Rockland County voters, with the final results subject to official certification.