Rob Astorino

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Rob Astorino

| image = Astorino crop.jpg

| office = 8th County Executive of Westchester County

| deputy = Kevin Plunkett

| term_start = January 1, 2010

| term_end = December 31, 2017

| predecessor = Andrew Spano

| successor = George Latimer

| office1 = Member of the Westchester County Board of Legislators
from the 3rd district

| term_start1 = January 1, 2003

| term_end1 = December 31, 2004

| predecessor1 = Sue Swanson

| successor1 = John Nonna

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1967|5|3}}

| birth_place = Mount Vernon, New York, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| party = Republican

| spouse = Sheila McCloskey

| children = 3

| education = Fordham University (BA)

| website = {{URL|robastorino.com|Campaign website}}

}}

Robert Patrick Astorino (born May 3, 1967) is an American politician, radio producer, and television host who was the county executive of Westchester County, New York from 2010 to 2017. He was the Republican nominee for Governor of New York in 2014. Astorino is one of the founders of 1050 AM ESPN Radio in New York City; he served as WEPN's executive producer, executive producer of The Michael Kay Show, a host on the MSG Network, as well as the first program director for Sirius Satellite Radio's "The Catholic Channel".

Astorino served on the Westchester County Board of Legislators from 2003 to 2005, when he launched an unsuccessful bid to unseat then-Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano. In 2009, he challenged Spano again and prevailed. Astorino was re-elected in 2013, defeating Democratic challenger Noam Bramson. He was defeated by incumbent New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the 2014 gubernatorial election. In 2017, Astorino ran for a third term as Westchester County Executive, but was defeated by Democratic challenger George Latimer. He unsuccessfully ran for the New York State Senate in 2020 and for the Republican nomination for the governorship in 2022.

Early life and education

A Mount Vernon native,{{cite web|url=http://www.westchestermagazine.com/Westchester-Magazine/February-2010/Interviews-With-Outgoing-and-Incoming-County-Execs-Andy-Spano-and-Rob-Astorino/|title=Interviews With Outgoing and Incoming County Execs Andy Spano and Rob Astorino|website=www.westchestermagazine.com|date=20 January 2010 }} Astorino grew up in Thornwood, New York. He is of three-quarters Italian descent. He attended Westlake High School, and enrolled in Fordham University where he received a bachelor's degree in communications in 1989. He later attended the [https://www.enforex.com Enforex School] in Barcelona, Spain where he became fluent in Spanish.

In 1994, Astorino's father, Robert Astorino, was convicted of federal corruption charges. At the time, the senior Astorino was the Chief of Detectives for the Mt. Vernon Police Department. He and three detectives were seen on film taking $10,000 during an FBI sting; Robert Astorino pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year in prison.Hernandez, R. (11 May 1994) {{cite news|title=3 Officers Are Arrested And Charged With Graft|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/11/nyregion/3-officers-are-arrested-and-charged-with-graft.html|work=New York Times|date=11 May 1994 |access-date = 19 October 2017 |last1=Hernandez |first1=Raymond }}Blain, G. (12 April 2014) {{cite web|title=Rob Astorino, Gov. Cuomo's likely Republican challenger, thinks he can win despite unlikely odd|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/rob-astorino-confident-unseat-gov-cuomo-article-1.1754726|work=New York Daily News|date=12 April 2014 |access-date= 19 October 2017}}

Media career

After graduating from college, Astorino hosted the weeknight sports shows Inside Sports on WFAS radio and served as host and producer of Sports Rap on the Sports Channel television network.Cafaro, Danny. "[https://web.archive.org/web/20110517051912/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-22674546.html Sportschannel aims for the human side of Tartabull]". The Record. August 7, 1993.

Astorino has been an anchorman for the MSG Network program Talk of our Town."[https://web.archive.org/web/20060113090722/http://www.robastorino.com/rob_astorino_about.html About Rob]". [https://robastorino.com Astorino for County Executive]. Retrieved March 17, 2008.

Astorino is the recipient of the Associated Press award for Best Spot News Coverage and award for Best News Program, and the Metro New York Achievement in Radio award. He is a member of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

=ESPN radio=

In 2001, Astorino was one of the founders of 1050 ESPN Radio in New York."Bearden, Michelle. [http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-30441494_ITM Home, but far from alone]". Tampa Tribune. January 21, 2007.McBride, Cliff. "[http://www.tbo.com/life/faith/MGBSVG5R4XE.html Home, But Far From Alone]". [https://tbo.com Tampa Bay Online]. January 21, 2007. He directed the rebranding of New York's WEVD-AM 1050 from a talk radio station to an all sports format."[http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-25565401_ITM The biz: ESPN radio looks to score]". Advertising Age. June 24, 2002. He became the station's Senior Producer, and worked as Executive Producer of The Michael Kay Show.West, Debra. "[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E01EEDC1E30F93AA35753C1A9639C8B63 The Water Log]". New York Times. October 9, 2005. He was promoted to Station Executive Producer and served until 2005, when he resigned to run for Westchester County Executive.Holloway, Kevin. "[http://www.golftransactions.com/media/pgatourradio030402.html NYC's 1050 ESPN Radio partners with PGA TOUR Radio]". PGA Tour Radio. March 1, 2002.Fuchs, Marek. "[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C02EFDA173FF935A25753C1A9639C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1 Why Radio Loosened Brian Williams's Tongue]". New York Times. October 16, 2005.

As the producer of the 4:00 to 7:00 PM time slot, the team of talent assembled by Astorino included Michael Kay, Don La Greca, and Joey Salvia; this team helped the show succeed against longtime afternoon sports radio mainstay Mike and the Mad Dog on WFAN.McManus, Jane. "[http://www.redsoxnation.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=13295&mode=threaded Kay goes head to head with 'Mad Dog']". Journal News. January 7, 2005.Buro, John J. "[https://www.sportsfanmagazine.com/sfm/articles.html?id=1159 The SportsFan Magazine Interview: Michael Kay]". [https://www.sportsfanmagazine.com/ SportsFan Magazine]. January 18, 2005. His accomplishments include securing broadcast rights for the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, also at the expense of WFAN.

=Satellite radio=

In 2007, Astorino was hired as the first program director for Sirius Satellite Radio's "The Catholic Channel".McDonnell, Claudi. "[https://www.cny.org/archive/ld/ld120706.htm Archdiocese, Sirius Satellite Radio launch the Catholic Channel]". [https://www.cny.org Catholic New York]. December 7, 2006. He hosted a Thursday night program with Cardinal Edward Egan, the Archbishop of New York.

Astorino was hesitant at first to work on religious radio, but he changed his mind when he found out "The Catholic Channel" would be different.Stern, Gary. "[http://m.lohud.com/news.jsp?key=30300&p=1 Catholic radio brings church to new medium]". Journal News. May 1, 2007. He stated, "I think it's a great opportunity not just for the archdiocese but for the Catholic Church as a whole to reach out to people across the country with a message, and have a two-way conversation."

According to the Journal News, "With total authority over programming, the Archdiocese of New York was given the rare opportunity to play Michelangelo and create something new. Egan, who is not known to be a great communicator like his predecessor, Cardinal John O'Connor, gave the project his blessing. In addition to his show, he welcomed Sirius listeners when Sunday Mass from St. Patrick's Cathedral was broadcast."

Early political career

At the age of 21, while attending college, Astorino was elected to the Mount Pleasant School Board. He resigned three years later.O'Connor, Anahad. "[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9505EED6113FF933A05753C1A9639C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1 Less Widely Known, but Not Cowed]". New York Times. October 30, 2005.

In 1991, Astorino defeated an incumbent town councilman in Mount Pleasant and was elected to the town board. He was reelected in 1995 and 1999.{{better source needed|date=September 2020}} During his tenure on the town board, he served six years as Deputy Supervisor and 8 years as Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, which oversees the police department.

Westchester County Executive Andrew O'Rourke appointed Astorino to the Westchester County Board of Ethics in 1996. Astorino was reappointed by O'Rourke's successor, Andy Spano in 1999.

=Westchester County Legislature=

In 2003, Astorino announced he was a candidate to replace retiring County Legislator Sue Swanson, who represented a district encompassing Mount Pleasant, Pleasantville, North Castle, West Harrison, and portions of northern Greenburgh.Anderson, Liz. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/05/04/astorino-weighs-his-future/ Astorino weighs his future]". Journal News. May 4, 2007. Astorino defeated his challenger with an aggressive campaign, which according to the Journal News, "raised the bar" for candidacies to the Board of Legislators."[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071028/NEWS02/710280329/1015/OPINION01 Our recommendations for Westchester Board of Legislators]". Journal News. October 28, 2007.

As a county legislator, Astorino was involved in plans to redevelop the Saw Mill River Parkway and restore wetlands, which is often flooded dangerously during rain storms, and coordinated meetings between the environmentalist groups, New York State Department of Transportation and the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 2005.Lombardi, Kate Stone. "[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940CE4DA113EF933A15752C1A9639C8B63 Remember: It's the Saw Mill RIVER Parkway]". New York Times. November 20, 2005. He helped the board stop Westchester's payments of a "franchise fee" to their bus operator, Liberty Lines Transit, after drawing attention that the contract with the company did not provide for such a payment.B.Z. Khasru. "[http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-131865576.html Liberty's 'franchise fee' is not in county contract]{{dead link|date=February 2019|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}". [http://westchesterbusinessjournal.com Westchester Business Journal]. April 11, 2005.

Once elected, he served on the committees for parks and recreation; housing; health; public safety and criminal justice; youth; and county officers and departments."[https://web.archive.org/web/20050311231943/http://www.westchestergov.com/bol/bios/biocurrent/astorino.htm Robert Astorino, Legislator-District 3]". Westchester County Board of Legislators. Retrieved on March 17, 2008. After serving only two years, Astorino opted not to run for reelection, instead focusing on a challenge to incumbent County Executive Andy Spano.Medina, Jennifer. "[https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/09/nyregion/metrocampaigns/09westchester.html?_r=1&oref=slogin Republican Claims Victory in the Race to Replace Pirro]". New York Times. November 9, 2005. As an outgoing legislator, he opposed the pay increases that were enacted for board members.Fuchs, Marek. "[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9402E6D71430F936A15751C1A9639C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1 Pols Deserve A Raise? Says Who?]". New York Times. December 25, 2005.

Westchester County Executive

=Campaigns=

The 2005 campaign for Westchester County Executive pitted the two-term Democratic incumbent Andy Spano, against Astorino, a Republican. The race featured instances where Astorino publicized a homemade video of a security breach at the county's Kenisco Dam, while the incumbent, according to the New York Times, "in the face of record property-tax increases, has busied himself with a campaign against steroids for schoolchildren, as a follow-up to an anti-bullying initiative that featured admonitions from Spider-Man."Reisman, Phil. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051016/COLUMNIST08/510160354 Surfing these Web sites could cure case of insomnia]". Journal News. October 16, 2005.Fuchs, Marek. "[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9801EFD6113FF933A05753C1A9639C8B63 Wait a Minute: Why Are We Running Again?]". New York Times. October 30, 2005. Facing an uphill battle in a Democratic county against an incumbent who raised four times as much money as he did, Astorino made a surprisingly strong showing and was defeated by 30,000 votes.O'Connor, Anahad. "[https://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/23/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/23wespan.html?pagewanted=print The Leader in This Race Isn't Sweating]". New York Times. October 23, 2005.Blain, Glenn. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2008/01/23/astorino-gearing-up-for-2009/ Astorino gearing up for 2009?]". Journal News. January 23, 2008. Overall voter turnout was light and incumbents were largely successful throughout Westchester County.Philippidis, Alex. "[http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-12185100_ITM Complacency, development issues sway local vote]". [http://westchesterbusinessjournal.com Westchester Business Journal]. November 14, 2005.

On March 21, 2009, Astorino announced that he would run again for Westchester County Executive.Blain, Glenn. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/05/11/astorinos-big-announcement/ Astorino's big announcement]". Journal News. May 11, 2007. In a surprising upset, he was elected to the position on November 3, 2009, defeating incumbent Andy Spano by 15 percentage points.Robbins, Liz. "[https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/nyregion/05suburbs.html Voters Roll Back Democratic Gains in New York Suburbs]". New York Times. November 4, 2009.

Astorino ran for re-election in 2013. He defeated his challenger, Democratic New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson,{{cite web|last=Egan|first=Bobbi|title=They're Off... The Race for County Executive|url=http://www.riverjournalonline.com/around-town/latest/2949-theyre-offthe-race-for-county-executive-.html|work=The River Journal|access-date=17 September 2013}} by 12 percentage points.

Astorino sought a third term in 2017, despite his statement during the 2014 campaign that "eight years is enough for anyone" in office.{{Cite news|url=http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/213503/astorino-eight-years-is-enough-for-anyone-in-office/|title=Astorino: 'Eight years is enough for anyone' in office|date=2014-05-28|work=Capitol Confidential|access-date=2017-11-09|language=en-US}} During the campaign, Astorino outspent his opponent, State Senator George Latimer, by more than 3-to-1.{{Cite news|url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/elections/2017/10/31/astorino-outspends-latimer-campaign-finance/813330001/|title=Astorino outspends Latimer as campaign winds down|work=lohud.com|access-date=2017-11-09|language=en}} Additionally, Astorino was the beneficiary of over $1 million spent in the last two weeks of the race by a super PAC funded by Robert Mercer.{{Cite news|url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/elections/2017/10/31/robert-mercer-rob-astorino-win-for-ny/816459001/|title=Astorino campaign: $1M spent by Breitbart funder Robert Mercer-backed PAC|work=lohud.com|access-date=2017-11-09|language=en}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2017/11/super-pac-spends-more-in-westchester-race/|title=Super PAC Spends More In Westchester Race|website=www.nystateofpolitics.com|access-date=2017-11-09}} Towards the end of the campaign, on October 27, 2017, Astorino was damaged by revelations from testimony in the Norman Seabrook trial. Campaign donor Jona Rechnitz testified that he had paid $5,790 to cover most of the cost of a Rolex Submariner for Astorino shortly before Astorino named him as a chaplain for the Westchester County Police.{{Cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2017/10/27/astorino-owns-a-really-nice-rolex-but-cant-wear-it-amid-probe/|title=Astorino owns a really nice Rolex — but can't wear it amid probe|date=2017-10-28|work=New York Post|access-date=2017-11-09|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/elections/2017/11/08/westchester-executive-astorino-rolex/835609001/|title=Donor testifies he cut check for Rob Astorino's Rolex|work=lohud.com|access-date=2017-11-09|language=en}} Another controversy in the closing days of the race was the disclosure of an email from an Astorino lieutenant to county employees that they should "expect to donate their time" by using paid time off to volunteer for Astorino's campaign.{{Cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2017/11/02/government-employees-being-told-to-help-rob-astorinos-re-election-bid/|title=Government employees being told to help Rob Astorino's re-election bid|date=2017-11-02|work=New York Post|access-date=2017-11-09|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/elections/2017/11/03/dems-want-probe-astorino-campaign-email/828686001/|title=Latimer wants elections board to probe Astorino campaign email to county workers|work=lohud.com|access-date=2017-11-09|language=en}} Despite his fundraising advantage, Astorino was defeated by 14 points.{{Cite news|url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/elections/2017/10/31/astorino-outspends-latimer-campaign-finance/813330001|title=Astorino outspends Latimer as campaign winds down|work=lohud.com|access-date=2019-05-17}}

=Campaign donors=

As of September 2016, Astorino had received $15,000 in campaign contributions from Donald Trump; he has stated that he considers Trump a friend.Campbell, J. (23 September 2016) {{cite web|title=Clinton, Trump hope New York ties pay off|work= The Journal News|url= http://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/2016/09/23/clinton-trump-hope-ny-ties-pay/90958268/|publisher=Journal News|access-date=21 October 2017}}

As of January 2017, Astorino received a grant of $25,000 from the Gianni Occhipinti Foundation of Numerical Research.https://sacredheartpioneers.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/gianni-occhipinti/336

As of November 2017, Astorino had been the biggest beneficiary of donations by Robert Mercer to state and local campaigns in New York.{{Cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2017/10/25/new-mercer-backed-super-pac-appears-to-target-latimer-115236|title=New Mercer-backed super PAC appears to target Latimer|work=Politico PRO|access-date=2017-11-12}} Mercer and his daughter Rebekah each gave the maximum $26,900 to Astorino's 2013 reelection campaign.{{Cite news|url=https://projects.newsday.com/databases/long-island/mercers-contribs/?where=recipient*astorino&offset=0|title=What Mercers gave to state, local candidates|work=Newsday|access-date=2017-11-12|language=en}} Additionally, Mercer gave $1.55 million to a super PAC supporting Astorino's 2014 gubernatorial campaign and $1 million to a super PAC supporting Astorino's 2017 re-election campaign.{{Cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2017/10/25/billionaire-gives-1m-to-super-pac-backing-rob-astorino/|title=Billionaire gives $1M to super PAC backing Rob Astorino|date=2017-10-26|work=New York Post|access-date=2017-11-12|language=en-US}}

=Tenure=

In 2010, the Westchester County Legislature passed a $1.2 million bond issue to finance the restoration of the Elijah Miller House. Astorino, who had previously supported preserving the building five years earlier as a member of the legislature, vetoed the measure, saying it should be supported by private funds.{{cite news|last=Applebome|first=Peter|author-link=Peter Applebome|title=A House With a Role in the Revolution Is Now Left Unprotected|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/05/nyregion/05towns.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 4, 2010|access-date=July 5, 2010}}

2014 gubernatorial campaign

On March 5, 2014, Astorino announced that he would run for New York State Governor against incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo. Astorino called for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to resign as chairman of the Republican Governors Association due to his unwillingness to support Astorino's campaign. Astorino claimed that Christie's decision not to support him was made in deference to Cuomo.{{cite news | last = Hayes | first = Mellissa | title = N.Y. GOP candidate for governor questions lacof support from Christie | date = July 22, 2014 | url = http://www.northjersey.com/news/n-y-gop-candidate-for-governor-questions-lack-of-support-from-christie-1.1055237 | access-date = 2014-07-22 }} Astorino was supported by Robert Mercer's $1.55 million donation to a super PAC backing his bid. The super PAC accounted for nearly a quarter of the total money spent on Astorino's campaign.{{Cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2017/10/25/new-mercer-backed-super-pac-appears-to-target-latimer-115236|title=New Mercer-backed super PAC appears to target Latimer|work=Politico PRO|access-date=2017-11-09}} He was defeated in the election by a margin of 54.3%-40.3%.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Election-Day-2014-New-York-Governor-Andrew-Cuomo-Rob-Astorino-Vote-281478431.html|title=Cuomo Wins NY Governor's Race|first=David|last=Klepper|website=NBC New York|date=4 November 2014 }}

After the election, news broke of a pact between then Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. According to Astorino's campaign manager Mike Lawler, Cuomo bargained that as long as Long Island Republicans would pull for Cuomo in the gubernatorial election, then Cuomo wouldn't actively rally or monetarily support Democrats running races on Long Island. The result may have played a part in Cuomo winning the governorship (though Republicans still faced an uphill battle in recapturing the governor's mansion in heavily Democratic New York) and Republicans sweeping Long Island races handily. An exasperated Lawler summed up the situation to NY Post reporter Fred Dicker saying, "I've had enough of these f—ing people,''. "I'm happy to go on the record about all of this, and if that means I don't get a job up in Albany, I'm happy with it."{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2014/11/10/cuomo-had-a-secret-re-election-pact-with-republicans|title=Cuomo Had A Secret Re-Election Pact With Republicans|first=Fred|last=Dicker|website=NY Post|date=10 November 2014 }}

Career after the 2017 election

In September 2018, Astorino took a government relations position at Davidoff Hutcher & Citron.{{cite news|url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/2018/09/07/rob-astorino-government-relations-cnn/1221820002/|title=Rob Astorino's got a new gig at a government relations firm|work=LoHud.com|last=Lungiarello|first=Mark|date=September 7, 2018|access-date=September 12, 2018}}

In June 2020, Astorino announced his campaign for New York's 40th State Senate district against incumbent first-term Democrat Peter Harckham.{{Cite web|date=2020-06-25|title=Rob Astorino Is Back — and Running for State Senate|url=https://westchestermagazine.com/life-style/news/rob-astorino-pete-harckham-new-york-state-senate/|access-date=2020-12-05|website=Westchester Magazine|language=en-US}} Astorino lost the election, 52%-48%.{{Cite web|title=2020 Election Results {{!}} New York State Board of Elections|url=https://www.elections.ny.gov/2020ElectionResults.html|access-date=2020-12-04|website=www.elections.ny.gov}} He conceded the race to Harckham three weeks after Election Day.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-24|title=Rob Astorino Concedes To Pete Harckham In State Senate Race|url=https://dailyvoice.com/new-york/whiteplains/politics/rob-astorino-concedes-to-pete-harckham-in-state-senate-race/798506/|access-date=2020-12-05|website=White Plains Daily Voice|language=en}}

Astorino ran unsuccessfully in the Republican primary for governor 2022 New York gubernatorial election, losing to Congressman Lee Zeldin{{cite news |last1=News 12 Staff |first1= |title=Former Westchester County Executive Astorino announces bid for NY governor in exclusive interview |url=https://bronx.news12.com/former-westchester-county-executive-astorino-announces-bid-for-ny-governor-in-exclusive-interview |access-date=May 11, 2021 |work=news12 |date=May 10, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Parsnow |first1=Luke |title=Rob Astorino to make second run for New York governor |url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/politics/2021/05/10/rob-astorino-to-make-second-run-for-new-york-governor |access-date=May 11, 2021 |work=Spectrum News |date=May 10, 2021}} In addition to Zeldin, he faced two other candidates in the 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary.{{cite news|url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/new-york-governor-zeldin-astorino-wilson-giuliani-ioyyh6ho|title=Astorino, Giuliani get OK to join 4-way GOP primary for governor|last=Roy|first=Yancey|website=Newsday.com|date=May 2, 2022|access-date=May 7, 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2022/05/02/andrew-giuliani-astorino-make-it-onto-gop-governor-ballot/|title=Andrew Giuliani, Astorino qualify for ballot in GOP primary for governor|website=nypost.com|last=Campanile|first=Carl|date=May 2, 2022|access-date=May 7, 2022}}

Legal issues

=Lawsuit from the Westchester Independence Party=

On October 31, 2013, the Westchester Independence Party filed a suit against Astorino and other defendants, alleging that Astorino and his campaign attempted to win the party's nomination by coercing dozens of staff members, political associates, friends, and family members to switch their party affiliation to the Independence Party. The lawsuit alleged Hatch Act violations and also included allegations of racketeering, conspiracy, and wire and mail fraud. On September 29, 2015, U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas dismissed the case.{{cite court |litigants=The Westchester County Independence Party v. Astorino | reporter=13-CV-7737 |pinpoint=295 |court=S.D.N.Y. |date=2015|url= https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/new-york/nysdce/7:2013cv07737/419426/295/ |access-date=23 October 2017}} Astorino used Westchester County funds to pay $279,391 in legal fees for his defense rather than having his campaign pay for them. The move was described as a "borderline call, at best" by the New York Public Interest Research Group.Fitz-Gibbon, J. (30 November 2015) {{cite web|title=Taxpayers got $279k legal bill from Astorino, staffers|url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/investigations/2015/11/30/astorino-legal-fees/76050830/|publisher=Journal News|access-date=23 October 2017}}

=Norman Seabrook trial=

In 2016, Astorino's office received subpoenas from U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara in conjunction with an investigation into Jonah Rechnitz. Various companies tied to the Brooklyn-based businessman donated a combined $25,000 to Astorino's 2014 gubernatorial campaign.Campbell, J. (25 July 2016) {{cite web|title=Astorino's office subpoenaed in Bharara probe|url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/politics-on-the-hudson/2016/07/25/astorino-county-subpoenaed-bharara-probe/87527944/|publisher=The Journal News|access-date=28 October 2017}} Astorino in turn made Rechnitz and friend Jeremy Reichberg county police chaplains and provided both with special parking permits despite the fact that neither man was a member of the clergy. Rechnitz later testified in the federal corruption trial of disgraced NYC corrections union boss Norman Seabrook to a history of quid pro quo with Astorino in which he helped Astorino obtain a $10,000 Rolex Submariner watch that was later confiscated by federal investigators.Whitehouse, K. (26 October 2017) {{cite web|title=De Blasio Donor's Shocking Testimony: $100K Bought Me the Mayor|date=26 October 2017 |url=https://nypost.com/2017/10/26/de-blasio-donors-shocking-testimony-100k-bought-me-the-mayor/|publisher=New York Post|access-date=28 October 2017}}Conley, K. & Italiano, L (27 October 2017) {{cite web|title=Astorino Owns a Really Nice Rolex - But Can't Wear it Amid Probe|date=28 October 2017 |url=https://nypost.com/2017/10/27/astorino-owns-a-really-nice-rolex-but-cant-wear-it-amid-probe/|publisher=New York Post|access-date=28 October 2017}} Astorino denied any wrongdoing and claimed that he went jewelry shopping with Rechnitz because they were meeting next door.Lungariello, M. (27 October 2017) {{cite web|title=After Rob Astorino donor testimony, George Latimer camp calls for resignation|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2017/10/27/astorino-testimony-latimer-resignation/806303001/|publisher=The Journal News|access-date=2 November 2017}}{{Citation|title=Monday Morning Politics; What's on the NY Ballot; Alec Baldwin Talks Politics; Meet the Candidates: Westchester County Executive|url=https://www.wnyc.org/story/the-brian-lehrer-show-2017-11-06|language=en|access-date=2017-11-12}} Astorino claimed that he paid for the watch in full, but the FBI entered into evidence a $5,790 check with the memo line "ROLEX" cut by Rechnitz to Daniela Diamonds, which sold Astorino the watch. Rechnitz testified that Astorino knew about the check.{{Cite news|url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/elections/2017/11/08/westchester-executive-astorino-rolex/835609001/|title=Donor testifies he cut check for Rob Astorino's Rolex|work=lohud.com|access-date=2017-11-12|language=en}} An investigation by Andrew Whitman of FiOS1 showed that the $1,960 Astorino paid for the watch was unrealistically low, but that the cumulative total of $7,750 paid by Astorino and Rechnitz combined would be a typical price for a watch of that age and model.{{Cite web|url=http://www.fios1news.com/lowerhudsonvalley/political-investigating-westchester-executive-s-rolex-claims-nov-6-2017|title=Investigating Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino's Rolex claims|website=Verizon FiOS1 News - Lower Hudson Valley|access-date=2017-11-12}} As of June 2019, Astorino had not been charged with a crime in connection with the purchase of the Rolex.{{cite news|url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/2019/06/11/rob-astorino-gives-up-rolex-center-bribery-allegations/1424285001/|title=Rob Astorino gives up Rolex at center of bribery allegations|website=LoHud.com|last=Campbell|first=Jon|date=June 11, 2019|access-date=May 7, 2022}}

Personal life

Astorino's first marriage was annulled after three years.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/11/nyregion/for-astorino-a-conservative-career-since-day-1.html|title=Cuomo's Rival a Conservative Since Day One|first=David W.|last=Chen|newspaper=The New York Times |date=10 October 2014}} He married Sheila McCloskey in 2001.{{cite web|url=https://www.yonkerstribune.com/2009/03/rob-astorino-and-family-to-march-in-yonkers-st-patricks-day-parade|title=Rob Astorino and Family to March in Yonkers St. Patrick's Day Parade|last=eHezi|date=6 March 2009}} As of 2014, the Astorinos have three children.{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2014/07/astorino-hopes-stop-common-core-line-will-draw-dem-votes-014174|title=Astorino hopes 'Stop Common Core' line will draw Dem votes|first=Jessica|last=Bakeman|website=Politico PRO|date=8 July 2014 }}

Electoral history

{{Election box begin no change|title=Westchester County Legislature 3rd District, 2003 General Election{{Cite news|url=http://www.westchestergov.com/boe/images/2003%20Gen%20Canvass%20Bk.pdf|publisher=Westchester County Board of Elections|title=2003 General Canvass Election Results|year=2003|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911155458/http://www.westchestergov.com/boe/images/2003%20Gen%20Canvass%20Bk.pdf|archive-date=2008-09-11}}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Robert P. Astorino|party=Republican Party (US)|votes=4,661|percentage=43.81%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Robert P. Astorino|party=Conservative Party of New York|votes=583|percentage=5.48%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Robert P. Astorino|party=Independence Party of New York|votes=320|percentage=3.01%}}

{{Election box winning candidate no change|candidate=Robert P. Astorino|party=Total|votes=5,564|percentage=52.30%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=John M. Nonna|party=Democratic Party (US)|votes=4664|percentage=43.84%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=John M. Nonna|party=Working Families Party|votes=410|percentage=3.85%}}

{{Election box candidate no change|candidate=John M. Nonna|party=Total|votes=5,074|percentage=47.70%}}

{{Election box hold with party link no change|winner=Republican Party (United States)}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Westchester County Executive, 2005 General Election{{Cite news|url=http://www.westchestergov.com/boe/images/2005%20Gen%20Canvass%20Bk.pdf|publisher=Westchester County Board of Elections|title=2005 General Canvass Election Results|year=2005|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911155503/http://www.westchestergov.com/boe/images/2005%20Gen%20Canvass%20Bk.pdf|archive-date=2008-09-11}}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Andrew Spano|party=Democratic Party (US)|votes=100,480|percentage=52.36%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Andrew Spano|party=Independence Party of New York|votes=7,460|percentage=3.89%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Andrew Spano|party=Working Families Party|votes=3,806|percentage=1.98%}}

{{Election box winning candidate no change|candidate=Andrew Spano (incumbent)|party=Total|votes=111,746|percentage=58.23%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Robert P. Astorino|party=Republican Party (US)|votes=69,798|percentage=36.37%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Robert P. Astorino|party=Conservative Party of New York|votes=10,341|percentage=5.39%}}

{{Election box candidate no change|candidate=Robert P. Astorino|party=Total|votes=80,139|percentage=41.76%}}

{{Election box hold with party link no change|winner=Democratic Party (United States)}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Westchester County Executive, 2009 General Election{{Cite news|url=http://citizenparticipation.westchestergov.com/images/stories/pdfs/BOE_2009GeneralCanvass091103.pdf|publisher=westchestergov.com|title=Official Tally of Election Results|year=2009}}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Rob Astorino|party=Republican Party (US)|votes=80,777|percentage=49.21%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Rob Astorino|party=Independence Party of New York|votes=12,605|percentage=7.68%}}

{{Election box winning candidate no change|candidate=Robert P. Astorino|party=Total|votes=93,382|percentage=56.90%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Andrew Spano|party=Democratic Party (US)|votes=64,791|percentage=39.47%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Andrew Spano|party=Conservative Party of New York|votes=3,201|percentage=1.95%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Andrew Spano|party=Working Families Party|votes=2,747|percentage=1.67%}}

{{Election box candidate no change|candidate=Andrew Spano (incumbent)|party=Total|votes=70,739|percentage=43.10%}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change|votes=21|percentage=0.01%}}

{{Election box gain with party link no change|winner=Republican Party (United States)|loser=Democratic Party (United States)}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Westchester County Executive, 2013 General Election{{Cite news|url=https://citizenparticipation.westchestergov.com/images/stories/pdfs/2013CanvassGeneral131105.pdf|publisher=westchestergov.com|title=Official Tally of Election Results|year=2013}}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Rob Astorino|party=Republican Party (US)|votes=88,645|percentage=48.45%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Rob Astorino|party=Conservative Party of New York|votes=13,860|percentage=7.58%}}

{{Election box winning candidate no change|candidate=Rob Astorino (Incumbent)|party=Total|votes=102,505|percentage=56.03%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Noam Bramson|party=Democratic Party (US)|votes=74,964|percentage=40.97%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Noam Bramson|party=Working Families Party|votes=2,907|percentage=1.59%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Noam Bramson|party=Independence Party of New York|votes=2,491|percentage=1.36%}}

{{Election box candidate no change|candidate=Noam Bramson|party=Total|votes=80,362|percentage=43.92%}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change|votes=88|percentage=0.05%}}

{{Election box hold with party link no change|winner=Republican Party (United States)}}

{{Election box begin|title=New York gubernatorial election, 2014{{cite web|url=http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/elections/2014/general/2014Governor.pdf|title=NYS Board of Elections Governor/Lt. Governor Election Returns November 4, 2014|access-date=September 5, 2018}}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Andrew Cuomo|votes=1,811,672|percentage=47.52%|change=-9.00%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|party= Working Families Party|candidate=Andrew Cuomo|votes=126,244|percentage=3.31%|change=-0.04%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independence Party of New York|candidate=Andrew Cuomo|votes=77,762|percentage=2.04%|change=-1.13%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Women's Equality Party (New York)|candidate=Andrew Cuomo|votes=53,802|percentage=1.41%|change=N/A}}

{{Election box candidate|candidate={{nowrap|Andrew Cuomo/Kathy Hochul (incumbent)}}|party=Total|votes=2,069,480|percentage=54.28%|change=-8.77%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Rob Astorino|votes=1,234,951|percentage=32.39%|change=+4.45%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Conservative Party of New York State|candidate=Rob Astorino|votes=250,634|percentage=6.57%|change=+1.54%}}

{{Election box candidate|party=Stop Common Core|candidate=Rob Astorino|votes=51,492|percentage=1.35%|change=N/A}}

{{Election box candidate|candidate=Rob Astorino/Christopher Moss|party=Total|votes=1,537,077|percentage=40.31%|change=+6.78%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Green Party of New York|candidate=Howie Hawkins/Brian Jones|votes=184,419|percentage=4.84%|change=+3.54%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Libertarian Party of New York|candidate=Michael McDermott/Chris Edes|votes=16,769|percentage=0.44%|change=-0.61%}}

{{Election box candidate|party=Sapient|candidate=Steven Cohn/Bobby Kalotee|votes=4,963|percentage=0.13%|change=N/A}}

{{Election box total|votes=3,812,708|percentage=100.0%|change=N/A}}

{{Election box hold with party link no swing|winner=Democratic Party (United States)}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Westchester County Executive, 2017 Reform Primary{{Cite news|url=https://citizenparticipation.westchestergov.com/images/stories/pdfs/2017CanvassPrimary170912.pdf|publisher=westchestergov.com|title=2017CanvassPrimary170912.pdf|year=2017}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|candidate=George S. Latimer|party=Reform Party of New York State|votes=1,662|percentage=57.61%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Rob Astorino (incumbent)|party=write-in|votes=966|percentage=33.48%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Ken Jenkins|party=write-in|votes=76|percentage=2.63%}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change|votes=181|percentage=6.27%}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Westchester County Executive, 2017 General Election{{Cite news|url=https://citizenparticipation.westchestergov.com/images/stories/pdfs/2017canvassGeneral1107.pdf|publisher=westchestergov.com|title=2017canvassGeneral1107.pdf|year=2017}}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=George S. Latimer|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=109,846|percentage=53.26%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=George S. Latimer|party=Working Families Party|votes=3,774|percentage=1.83%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=George S. Latimer|party=Independence Party of New York|votes=2,048|percentage=0.99%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=George S. Latimer|party=Women's Equality Party (New York)|votes=887|percentage=0.43%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=George S. Latimer|party=Reform Party of New York State|votes = 212|percentage = 0.10%}}

{{Election box winning candidate no change|candidate=George S. Latimer|party=Total|votes=116,767|percentage=56.62%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Rob Astorino|party=Republican Party (United States)|votes=77,819|percentage=37.73%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Rob Astorino|party=Conservative Party of New York|votes=11,644|percentage=5.65%}}

{{Election box candidate no change|candidate=Rob Astorino (incumbent)|party=Total|votes=89,463|percentage=43.38%}}

{{Election box gain with party link no change|winner=Democratic Party (United States)|loser=Republican Party (United States)}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=New York's 40th Senatorial District 2020 General Election{{Cite web|title=2020 Election Results {{!}} New York State Board of Elections|url=https://www.elections.ny.gov/2020ElectionResults.html|access-date=2020-12-04|website=www.elections.ny.gov}}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Peter B. Harckham|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=77,412|percentage=47.92%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Peter B. Harckham|party=Working Families Party|votes=5,466|percentage=3.38%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Peter B. Harckham|party=Independence Party of New York|votes=939|percentage=0.58%}}

{{Election box winning candidate no change|candidate=Peter B. Harckham (incumbent)|party=Total|votes=83,817|percentage=51.88%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Rob Astorino|party=Republican Party (United States)|votes=69,867|percentage=43.25%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Rob Astorino|party=Conservative Party of New York|votes=7,276|percentage=4.50%}}

{{Election box candidate no change|candidate=Rob Astorino|party=Rebuild Our State|votes=545|percentage=0.34%}}

{{Election box candidate no change|candidate=Rob Astorino|party=Total|votes=77,688|percentage=48.09%}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change|votes=49|percentage=0.03%}}

{{Election box hold with party link no change|winner=Democratic Party (United States)}}

{{Election box begin no change |title=Republican primary, New York gubernatorial election, 2022{{cite news |title=Certification for the June 28, 2022 Primary Election |url=https://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2022/Primary/Jun282022PrimaryCertification.pdf |publisher=New York State Board of Elections |date=May 4, 2022 |access-date=May 19, 2022}}{{cite web |title=2022 Election Results - Primary Election — June 28, 2022 |url=https://www.elections.ny.gov/2022ElectionResults.html |website=New York State Board of Elections |access-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113022048/https://www.elections.ny.gov/2022ElectionResults.html |url-status=dead }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = New York Republican State Committee

|candidate = Lee Zeldin

|votes = 196,874

|percentage = 43.62%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = New York Republican State Committee

|candidate = Andrew Giuliani

|votes = 103,267

|percentage = 22.88%

}}