Two WNY candidates make the Class of 2022
Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) and Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) today announced a new political action committee, Women on the Rise, aimed at helping Republican women run for the New York state Assembly. Joining them today were Onondaga County Legislator Deb Cody; members of the Onondaga County Republican Committee; Trisha Turner, President of the New York State Federation of Republican Women; and six candidates for New York state Assembly.
“New York played a pivotal role in the women’s suffrage movement, and from the very beginning, New York women fought to ensure their voices are heard in the political arena. I am proud to continue this tradition by launching ‘Women on the Rise, a political action committee to assist women running for New York state Assembly,” said Walsh. “Women, in a variety of roles in their communities and professions, have always been strong agents for change. I look forward to what we can accomplish together.”
“I’m enthusiastic about the strong, talented and promising group of female candidates running to join the Assembly Republican Conference,” Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay said. “The ‘Women on the Rise’ initiative is a concentrated effort to bring more women into our Conference and identify the next generation of leaders in New York. The radical agenda being advanced by liberals has gone too far for too long. On quality-of-life issues like affordability, cost-of-living, public safety and education, the voices of our candidates will be instrumental in getting New York back on track.”
Women on the Rise announced, today, its initial endorsements for the 2022 Assembly election cycle:
Kathyrn Luciani, 99th Assembly District candidate
Councilwoman Kathryn Luciani is a proud mother of five; three boys and two girls. As a resident of Orange County for over 17 years, Kathryn has committed herself to public service, being an involved community member, and being a supportive neighbor. Kathryn attended Rockland County Community College. As a member of the Woodbury Town Council, Kathryn is the liaison to the Police Department, Village, Building, and Grounds, Friendly Visitors Program, and Business Development District.
Lisa LaBue, 100th Assembly District candidate
Lisa Labue is a single mother of two sons. She believes strongly that people should not have to co‐parent with the government. She knows what it is like to run a business in one of the least business friendly states in the nation. After owning her own business, Lisa made her career in banking.
Lisa resides in the City of Middletown, and when elected as your Assemblywoman, she pledges to be “one of us, for all of us.”
Alexandra Velella, 110th Assembly District candidate
Alexandra Velella is an attorney and native to Albany. She is the daughter of the late Guy Velella who represented the Bronx in the Assembly and Senate. She previously ran for Colonie Town Board in 2021 and narrowly lost. She is focused on public safety and advocates for changes to bail reform.
Karen Ayoub, 127th Assembly District candidate
Karen Ayoub is a self‐made daughter of a marine. As an accountant she has helped manufacturing businesses and community banks revive and thrive. She and her husband, David, have three children in their twenties.
Sandy Magnano, 142nd Assembly District candidate
As a loving mom, a nurse, and a former college administrator, Sandy Magnano’s whole life has been about making sure the people around her are safe, healthy, and on the right track. Sandy is the mother to 3 grown children. She and her late husband owned a Chiropractic office in West Seneca.
Katrina Zeplowitz, 146th Assembly District candidate
Katrina Zeplowitz has a ten‐year career in public service working in the Assembly and most recently for Sen. Rath. She and her husband, former Amherst Town Clerk Jeff Zeplowitz, have a young son together.
