Larkin Will Not Seek Re-Election In November

NEW WINDSOR, NY — Another state senator announced that he will not be seeking re-election in November. Sen. William J. Larkin Jr., R-New Windsor, said he will bring his political career that spans more than four decades to an end.

“It’s with a heavy heart I announce that I will not be running for re-election this fall,” the 90-year-old said. “To be clear, my decision has nothing to do with some mythical blue wave that state Democrats have been wishing for.

“No, after serving this county in WWII and Korea, and doing battle with a long line of Democrat challengers here at home, my final battle is with Father Time,” Larkin said.

The 39th Senate District is comprised of parts of Ulster, Orange and Rockland counties.

Just a week ago, state Sen. John J. Bonacic, R-Mount Hope, said he would not seek re-election to another term serving the 42nd Senate District, which includes Sullivan County and parts of Ulster, Orange and Delaware counties.

Larkin’s life of service began at 16 as a combat veteran of World War II in New Guinea and in the Philippines operation. He later served in Korea, and eventually served more than 23 years in the U.S. Army.

He served in the state Assembly from 1979 to 1990 and was first elected to the state Senate in November 1990. Prior to that he served as an executive assistant in state Senate, and from 1976 to 1977 was supervisor of the Town of New Windsor.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day said Larkin was a godsend for Rockland County.

“Senator Larkin has helped secure necessary funding for local municipalities, the North Rockland School District and domestic violence programs through our county district attorney. He has always been there to pick up the phone when we needed his help pushing legislation that would improve the quality of life for our residents,” Day said.

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus recalled what Larkin helped bring to the area: $40 million for SUNY Orange’s Newburgh campus, more than $10 million for the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor and more than $20 million in capital investments for St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital.

“In addition to his role as a government official, Sen. Larkin has served as a mentor to me and many other young leaders who will be ready to carry the baton in the years to come,” Neuhaus said.

Photo credit: New York State Senate.