Erik Bohen

Erik T. Bohen
Member of the New York State Assembly
from the 142nd district
Assumed office
April 30, 2018
Preceded by Mickey Kearns
Personal details
Born 1982
Buffalo, New York, U.S.
Political party Democratic
Other political
affiliations		 Republican (electorally)
Residence South Buffalo, New York
Alma mater St. Bonaventure University
Canisius College
Erie Community College
Occupation Teacher, Politician

Erik T. Bohen (born 1982) is an American politician who serves in the New York State Assembly from the 142nd district, which represents South Buffalo, the City of Lackawanna, and the towns of West Seneca and Orchard Park. He won in a special election that took place on April 24, 2018 to fill the vacancy left by Mickey Kearns, who was elected Erie County Clerk in November of 2017[1].

Early career

Bohen has worked in the Buffalo Public Schools as a special education teacher for 12 years[2]. He was the campaign manager for Carl Paladino's two successful school board campaigns[3]. He has been active in numerous South Buffalo charities and organizations, including the Ryan Purcell Foundation. His father, Billy, was the longtime business agent for the local ironworkers union[4].

State Assembly

In 2018, Erik announced that he was running for the New York State Assembly as a conservative Democrat[4]. The Erie County Democratic Committee denied Bohen their endorsement and instead gave it to County Legislator Patrick B. Burke, the legislator who banned conversion therapy in Erie County[5][6]. The Erie County Republican Committee and its chairman, Nicholas A. Langworthy, gave its endorsement and operational support to Bohen[7]. On election day, Bohen received 52 percent of the vote to Burke's 48 percent in a race where less than 15 percent of eligible voters turned out. [8].

Bohen planned to caucus with the Democrats in the Assembly, but Speaker Carl Heastie said before Bohen can caucus, he has to "prove" that he's a "true Democrat." Based on his outspoken support of Heastie, Republican minority leader Brian Kolb has not invited Bohen to join the Republican caucus, leaving Bohen the only current member without a home caucus[9][10].

Assemblyman Bohen announced his intention to run for a full term in the November 2018 general election. He issued a press release stating he "cannot align himself" with Andrew Cuomo or the Democratic Party, and will run once more as a Republican[11].

References

  1. ↑ "Defying the odds, Erik Bohen captures 142nd District Assembly race". April 24, 2018.
  2. ↑ "About Erik – Erik T. Bohen for New York State Assembly". bohenfor142.com.
  3. ↑ "Paladino Takes Shot At NYSUT After Assembly Special". www.nystateofpolitics.com.
  4. 1 2 "Bob McCarthy: A fight for the 142nd". February 10, 2018.
  5. ↑ "Burke gets Democratic endorsement for 142nd Assembly seat". February 12, 2018.
  6. ↑ "Legislator Patrick Burke officially announces run for Assembly seat". January 2, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Two Dems vie for 142nd Assembly seat in special election".
  8. ↑ "Our Campaigns - NY Assembly 142 Special Race - Apr 24, 2018". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  9. ↑ "A day after his Assembly victory, Bohen receives a lesson in Albany 101". April 25, 2018.
  10. ↑ "Elected on G.O.P. Line, a Democrat Sits Alone".
  11. ↑ https://buffalonews.com/2018/07/13/bohen-i-cannot-align-myself-with-the-governor-and-his-democratic-party/
Political offices
Preceded by
Mickey Kearns		 New York State Assembly, 142nd District
2018–present		 Incumbent
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