Statement on New Senate Maps

This week, New York’s complex and slow-moving redistricting process finally wrapped up as a judge in upstate Steuben County chose maps for Congress and State Senate for this year and the rest of the decade. While further litigation is possible, the maps are probably final for now.

It is a privilege to serve the people of Senate District 38, and I will be running for re-election again in District 38, although the district lines have changed somewhat. The district will continue to include four towns, three of which I currently represent: Clarkstown, Orangetown, and Ramapo. For the next decade, at least, District 38 will expand north to include Haverstraw, and will no longer cross the Hudson to include Ossining. 

I have loved getting to know the people of Ossining and Briarcliff Manor, and I'm proud of the bills I have championed on their behalf, and I will miss representing these beautiful communities. Serving communities on both sides of the River strengthened my appreciation for all that the Hudson Valley has to offer. I encourage my friends from Ossining and Briarcliff to cross the Tappan Zee Bridge more often, and hope my friends in Rockland will do the same. 

I have already reached out to local officials and friends in Haverstraw and look forward to introducing myself to more people in that community. I have enjoyed many delicious meals, fun festivals, and glorious hikes in Haverstraw over the years and will be there more now than ever. 

Rockland County has been my home for nearly my entire life. I am grateful to serve the people of my hometown and the surrounding towns. My staff teases me that I know better than GPS the best route to anywhere in Rockland. And it’s true that I have driven, hiked, or biked almost every roadway and trail in Rockland. That’s not a challenge for you to prove me wrong, rather an invitation for you to reach out and tell me about your neighborhood or favorite place. Help me understand your priorities and how Albany can help make your life a little easier.

It is an honor to serve as your New York State Senator, and I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Senate District 38.

Sincerely,

Elijah Reichlin-Melnick