MIDDLETOWN, NY — Republican Sen. Jon Bonacic has represented New York’s 42nd State Senate District for 20 years, and now he has decided that’s long enough. In an announcement on April 27, he said he will not run again.

Bonacic, 75, wrote, “I have decided that I will not seek re-election to the New York State Senate. Next to being called Pat’s husband and Melissa and Scott’s father and a grandfather to three more, serving in the state Senate has been the honor of my life. The 20 years I have spent in the Senate have been rewarding both personally and professionally, despite the frustrations that all of us experience in any career. Twenty years, though, is enough, and I look forward to spending quality time with my bride, Pat, and my children and grandchildren. They have collectively been my rock and my inspiration. Having served in elected office, as a county legislator, as chairman of the Orange County Legislature, as an assemblyman, and now in the Senate for more than four decades, I know that public service is a great privilege. I am a lucky person.”

Bonacic’s district includes all of Sullivan County, a large part of Orange County and parts of Delaware and Ulster. He has brought a lot of funding from Albany for projects in the district over the years, and he was one of the strongest promoters of bringing a casino to Sullivan County.

Jen Metzger, a Democratic candidate running for the seat, issued a statement saying, “While we have had our policy differences, I appreciate John Bonacic’s long-standing commitment to public service, and wish him and his family all the best. I look forward to continuing to meet with the voters of the 42nd Senate District to share my vision for improving the lives of our working families, seniors and young people, and creating a vibrant, sustainable economy in the Catskills and Hudson Valley.”

Pramilla Malick, a sustainable energy activist who ran against Bonacic in 2016 and is running for the seat again this year, was not as charitable. She wrote, “I was looking forward to debating John Bonacic and confronting him on his close family ties to the Competitive Power Ventures [power plant]. While Sen. Bonacic has done some good things for the district, he has unfortunately tarnished his legacy by his deeply disturbing involvement in facilitating the CPV project.”

Two Republicans are also considering a run for Bonacic’s seat. Assemblyman Karl Brabenec, whose 98th Assembly District is located in Orange and Rockland counties, has said that he is considering getting into the race; and so has Edward Diana, the current supervisor of the Town of Wallkill. 

Some Republican Party leaders have also begun an attempt to draft Annie Rabbitt to run for the seat. She is currently the Orange County Clerk.