Paula Elaine Kay , New York State Assembly District 100

Party: Democratic

District: 100th Assembly District, covering a majority of Sullivan County and portions of northern Orange County

Paula Elaine Kay is an American lawyer and politician serving as a member of the New York State Assembly for the 100th District. A longtime resident of the district for over 28 years, she lives in Rock Hill with her husband, Jonathan, where they raised their two children. Kay won election in 2024 after incumbent Democrat Aileen Gunther retired, defeating Republican and Conservative nominee Louis Ingrassia Jr. with 52.6% of the vote . Prior to her Assembly role, she served as Town Prosecutor for Fallsburg through 2021, Town Attorney for Fallsburg handling board and planning matters, and represented planning and zoning boards in Thompson. She formed her own law office in 2008 specializing in municipal law, land use, zoning, corporate law, and estate planning, including pro bono work for community organizations, volunteer fire departments, and not-for-profits. Kay is a past President of the Rock Hill Business and Community Organization, Sullivan Renaissance Committee, and a local homeowners association, and volunteered extensively for her children's schools.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in government from Wesleyan University ; Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School.
• Early Career: Counsel to New York City Council committees on Housing and Buildings, General Welfare, and Speaker Peter Vallone’s Special Commission on the Homeless; drafted legislation and staffed hearings on the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, city housing conditions, and affordable housing incentives.
• Sullivan County Roles: Director of Special Projects for Assembly Member Jake Gunther, championing New York's unique Adopt an Exit Program on Route 17 ; Legislative Director for Assembly Member Aileen Gunther starting in 2004, writing legislation, reviewing bills , and providing constituent services in Orange and Sullivan counties.
• Notable Achievements: Shepherded Fallsburg's Comprehensive Plan Update; reviewed major developments like YO1 and Thompson Square Mall improvements; active in local community leadership and pro bono legal services.