Joseph E. Robach (born February 22, 1958) is an American politician who was a member of the New York Senate, representing the 56th district from 2003 until 2020. The district includes portions of Rochester, New York and the surrounding communities.

Joseph E. Robach
Member of the New York State Senate
from the 56th district
In office
January 1, 2003 – December 31, 2020
Preceded byRichard A. Dollinger
Succeeded byJeremy Cooney
Member of the New York State Assembly
from the 134th district
In office
November 5, 1991 – December 31, 2002
Preceded byRoger J. Robach
Succeeded byBill Reilich
Personal details
Born (1958-02-22) February 22, 1958 (age 66)
Rochester, New York, U.S.
Political partyRepublican (2002-present)
Other political
affiliations
Democratic (1991-2002)
Children3
Parent(s)Roger J. Robach, Terri Fallocco
ResidenceGreece, New York
EducationAquinas Institute
Alma materState University of New York College at Brockport (BS, MPA)
WebsiteFormer Senate website

A Republican, Robach formerly served in the New York State Assembly as a Democrat from 1991 to 2002.

Background

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Robach was born on February 22, 1958, the son of Assemblyman Roger J. Robach (1934–1991) and Teresa Fallocco.[1] He graduated from Aquinas Institute and the State University of New York College at Brockport, where he received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Administration degrees.[2]

In 1991, Robach entered politics as a Democrat, and was elected to the New York State Assembly in a special election in November of that year to the seat vacated by the death of his father.[3] As an Assemblyman, Robach often had the support of the Conservative Party of New York State. He would serve in the Assembly until 2002.[4]

In 2018, Robach weighed running for the United States House of Representatives to succeed Louise Slaughter, who had died. He ultimately decided not to run.[5]

New York Senate

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In 2002, Robach switched parties to become a Republican.[6] In lieu of running for another term in the Assembly, he opted to run for the New York State Senate, where he defeated Harry Bronson 66% to 33%.[7] Since his initial election, Robach has never faced serious opposition, with an exception in 2008, when he narrowly defeated Richard A. Dollinger 52% to 48%.[8]

Despite the district being overwhelmingly Democratic by voter registration, Robach was unopposed in 2012 and 2014. He won reelection by double digits in 2016 and 2018.[9]

On December 11, 2019, Robach announced that he would not run for reelection in 2020.[10]

Post-political career

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Currently, Robach hosts a weekly radio show on WYSL.[11]

References

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  1. ^ Sack, Kevin (1991-10-01). "Roger J. Robach, Assemblyman From Rochester, Is Dead at 57". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-02-06.
  2. ^ "56th Senate District: Robach, Lewis vie". Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved 2019-02-06.
  3. ^ "Robach to stay a Republican - for now". Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved 2019-02-06.
  4. ^ "Cooney looks to unseat Robach in NY's 56th Senate District". Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved 2019-02-06.
  5. ^ "Sen. Joe Robach won't run for Louise Slaughter's congressional seat". Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved 2019-02-06.
  6. ^ "State Sen. Joe Robach will not run for re-election". WXXI News. December 11, 2019.
  7. ^ Gorbman, Randy. "Sen. Joe Robach says he won't run for the Congressional seat held by Louise Slaughter". www.wxxinews.org. Retrieved 2019-02-06.
  8. ^ "Our Campaigns - NY State Senate 56 Race - Nov 04, 2008". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved 2019-02-06.
  9. ^ "Our Campaigns - Candidate - Joseph E. Robach". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved 2019-02-06.
  10. ^ "State Sen. Joe Robach will not run for re-election". www.wxxinews.org. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
  11. ^ "Retired New York Sen. Joe Robach Find a New Way to Be Heard". Spectrum News. November 21, 2021.
New York State Assembly
Preceded by New York State Assembly
134th District

1991–2002
Succeeded by
New York State Senate
Preceded by New York State Senate
56th District

2003–2020
Succeeded by