Rooney will retire from Assembly

Assemblyman Kevin Rooney (R-Wyckoff) has announced that he will not seek re-election to the State Assembly in 2023, clearing the way for Essex County GOP Chairman Al Barlas to succeed him on  the 40th district Republican ticket.

“This has been something I have been weighing for the past six months, as our family has grown and my business interests have diversified,” Rooney stated.  “I have spent the last 27+ years of my life in public service.  As my time and attention are pulled in different directions, I have come to the decision to finish my legislative term and then turn my focus to those new opportunities.”

State Sen. Kristin Corrado (R-Totowa) and Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips (R-Wyckoff) announced today that they would run on a slate with Barlas.   Bergen County GOP Chairman Jack Zisa and Passaic County GOP Chairman Peter Murphy announced their endorsements.

A former Wyckoff mayor, Rooney has served in the legislature since winning a 2016 special election convention after Assemblyman Scott Rumana (R-Wayne) resigned to become a Superior Court Judge, has been in a precarious position since earlier this year.

“I pledge to my constituents in Bergen, Essex, Morris, and Passaic Counties that I will complete this term with the same commitment I always have given to providing accessible constituent services and voting based on fiscally conservative principles over the next fourteen months,” he said.

Corrado and DePhillips issued a statement recognizing Rooney’s contributions in the legislature.

“He has been a fierce advocate for our residents and unwavering in his commitment to public service,” The said.  “Together, we have battled through a global pandemic and other substantial challenges all in an effort to be the best representatives we could be for our constituents.”