ALBANY – New York State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther released a statement that she would not be seeking re-election to the Assembly in November. Gunther, who made the announcement on Friday, February 16, has represented the 100th Assembly District for over two decades in the state Assembly, which includes Sullivan and Orange Counties. She was first elected in 2003 to fill the vacancy left by her husband Jacob, who passed away from cancer. 

“First and foremost, I want to thank the people of this district for placing their trust in me all these years,” Gunther said in the statement. “My greatest goals in office have been to ensure economic opportunity for everyone I represent, as well as to protect the beautiful place in which we live for generations to come.”

Since 2013, Gunther has served as the chair of the Assembly’s Mental Health Committee and said some of her greatest achievements during her term were passing the Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act as well as securing billions of dollars in funding for mental health services. 

Gunther concluded by saying that she will continue to help serve the community in other ways. 

“I raised my children in Sullivan County,” she said. “It’s my home. I will do everything I can to ensure our community remains such a great place to live.”

District 1 Legislator Matt McPhillips, who worked as Gunther’s Legislative Aide from 2019 until last year before beginning his term on the Legislature, also released a statement on Saturday, February 17. 

“Aileen Gunther has been a force for good her entire life,” said Matt McPhillips. “As a lifelong nurse and representative for over 20 years, she has always put her community first. She has served with energy, passion and care for every one of her constituents.”

Matt McPhillips noted how Gunther brought millions of dollars back to the communities in the county, from firefighters to schoolchildren. 

“[Gunther] is an example of what every elected official should strive to be, and I am proud to have learned from her over the past four years,” Matt McPhillips concluded. “While she will be greatly missed as our state representative, I have no doubt her tireless energy will continue to create positive change in our community.”

Several sources has noted that Paula Elaine Kay, Esq., current town of Thompson Attorney, could be seeking the Democratic line.

There are four candiates expected to run on the Republican ticket, according to Sullivan County Republican Committee Chair Greg Goldstein. Goldstein said those four are Camille O’Brien of Senator Peter Oberacker’s (NY-51)office, Bill Sipos Jr. of Forestburgh, Lisa LaBue, who ran against Gunther in her last re-election effort, and Louis Ingrassia of Wallkill.

“We have four good candiates,” said Goldstein. “We will will endorsing someone. All four candidates are excited to run and no one is dropping out.” 

Goldstein said that they will be holding a convention this Wednesday evening, February 21.