Rockland County, N.Y. — Nyack Mayor Joe Rand has secured the Working Families Party nomination for New York’s 38th State Senate District following certification of the party’s primary election results, setting the stage for the November general election against incumbent Republican State Sen. Bill Weber.
Rand received approximately 61% of the vote in the Working Families Party primary, according to his campaign, and will appear on both the Democratic and Working Families Party ballot lines in November. The certified results conclude a primary contest that included a write-in campaign after efforts by Republican supporters sought to secure the Working Families Party ballot line.
The Working Families Party, a progressive political party in New York, frequently cross-endorses Democratic candidates. In recent election cycles, however, Republican-backed candidates successfully captured the party’s ballot line in several Rockland County races through write-in campaigns. Rand’s victory returns the ballot line to the candidate endorsed by the Working Families Party for this year’s State Senate race.
In a statement released following certification of the election results, Rand said he was grateful for the support of voters and described the outcome as an opportunity to focus on issues affecting working families.
“This was a hard-fought victory,” Rand said. “I’m proud to have won this primary and grateful to every voter who supported me. I’ll continue working to make life more affordable and create opportunities for families across our community.”
Throughout his campaign, Rand has emphasized affordability as a central issue. His platform includes proposals aimed at addressing housing costs, expanding access to health care and child care, supporting public education, strengthening workers’ rights, and promoting economic development throughout Rockland County.
Rand has also highlighted his experience in local government and economic development, saying he believes collaboration across different levels of government is essential to securing funding and advancing projects that benefit local communities.
Currently serving as mayor of Nyack, Rand has described his campaign as one focused on bipartisan cooperation and practical problem-solving. His campaign says those priorities will remain central as the general election approaches.
With the primary now complete, Rand will shift his attention to the November election, where he is expected to face Weber in one of New York’s more closely watched State Senate contests. The 38th Senate District has drawn significant political attention in recent election cycles, with both major parties viewing the seat as competitive.
Weber, the Republican incumbent, is expected to campaign on his legislative record while Rand seeks to build support among Democratic, Working Families Party, and independent voters across the district.
In another statement included in the campaign announcement, Rand said he plans to continue meeting with residents throughout the district as the campaign moves forward.
“Our campaign has always been about putting working people first,” Rand said. “I’m looking forward to meeting with voters across the district, listening to their concerns, and earning their support.”
The November election will determine who represents the 38th State Senate District in the New York State Senate. With Rand appearing on both the Democratic and Working Families Party ballot lines and Weber seeking another term, the race is expected to receive close attention as Election Day approaches.
