When the New York State Assembly kicks off its first session for 2025 on January 8th, there will be a fresh face representing part of Western New York — Pat Chludzinski.
Chludzinski, a former police lieutenant, was officially sworn in on New Year’s Day, stepping into his new role as the State Assemblyman for the 143rd District, which includes Cheektowaga, Lancaster, and part of Buffalo. Surrounded by the Cheektowaga Police Honor Guard, Chludzinski’s swearing-in ceremony at the Lancaster Opera House was a proud moment, marking the start of his journey to represent his community in Albany.
In November, Chludzinski defeated former Democratic Assemblywoman Monica Wallace, running on the Republican and Conservative Party lines. As a new member of the Assembly, he’s determined to be a strong voice for his district in a government that is largely controlled by Democrats.
So, what’s first on his to-do list once he heads to Albany?
Tackling Affordability in New York
Chludzinski didn’t hesitate when asked about his top priority. “Affordability in New York State,” he said, pointing to the growing number of people leaving the state in search of better opportunities. He believes the root cause is high taxation.
The new Assemblyman was also asked about Governor Kathy Hochul’s plan to address affordability by offering $500 or $300 rebate checks to residents. His response? “We need long-term solutions, not just one-time rebate checks,” he said. He believes the real fix lies in tackling institutional taxation that’s making life harder for New Yorkers.
Bridging the Gap Between Upstate and Downstate
As a Republican in a state dominated by downstate Democrats, Chludzinski knows he faces a challenge. When asked how he plans to handle it, he explained, “I hope to be a bridge-builder. I want to work with people across the aisle, building relationships with folks who may not fully understand life here in Western New York.” He’s confident that finding common ground is the key to addressing the concerns of people in his district while working with lawmakers from New York City and other areas of the state.
A Community in Transition
During his campaign, Chludzinski also raised concerns about the impact of asylum seekers on local schools, specifically the Maryvale School District, which reportedly faced an $800,000 cost for accommodating over 70 students from asylum-seeker families. While the hotel shelters where these families were staying closed in mid-December, the situation remains fluid, and the full status of these students is still unclear.
A New Chapter
As he transitions from a law enforcement career to the world of politics, Chludzinski will be honored with a formal retirement ceremony on Thursday by Cheektowaga officers. It’s the start of an exciting new chapter, and Chludzinski is ready to dive into the political arena, armed with his experience in public service and a strong commitment to his community.
This is just the beginning for Assemblyman Pat Chludzinski. Western New York now has a new voice in Albany — and he’s ready to make it heard.
