| Joseph E. Robach | |
| State Senate: | New York State |
| District: | 56th |
| Term Start: | January 1, 2003 |
| Term End: | December 31, 2020 |
| Predecessor: | Richard A. Dollinger |
| Successor: | Jeremy Cooney |
| State Assembly2: | New York |
| District2: | 134th |
| Term Start2: | November 5, 1991 |
| Term End2: | December 31, 2002 |
| Predecessor2: | Roger J. Robach |
| Successor2: | Bill Reilich |
| Birth Date: | 22 February 1958 |
| Birth Place: | Rochester, New York, U.S. |
| Party: | Republican (2002-present) |
| Otherparty: | Democratic (1991-2002) |
| Children: | 3 |
| Parents: | Roger J. Robach, Terri Fallocco |
| Residence: | Greece, New York |
| Education: | Aquinas Institute |
| Alma Mater: | State University of New York College at Brockport (BS, MPA) |
| Website: | |
Joseph E. Robach (born February 22, 1958) is an American politician who was a member of the New York Senate, representing the 56th district from 2003 until 2020. The district includes portions of Rochester, New York and the surrounding communities.
A Republican, Robach formerly served in the New York State Assembly as a Democrat from 1991 to 2002.
Robach was born on February 22, 1958, the son of Assemblyman Roger J. Robach (1934–1991) and Teresa Fallocco.[1] He graduated from Aquinas Institute and the State University of New York College at Brockport, where he received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Administration degrees.[2]
In 1991, Robach entered politics as a Democrat, and was elected to the New York State Assembly in a special election in November of that year to the seat vacated by the death of his father.[3] As an Assemblyman, Robach often had the support of the Conservative Party of New York State. He would serve in the Assembly until 2002.[4]
In 2018, Robach weighed running for the United States House of Representatives to succeed Louise Slaughter, who had died. He ultimately decided not to run.[5]
In 2002, Robach switched parties to become a Republican.[6] In lieu of running for another term in the Assembly, he opted to run for the New York State Senate, where he defeated Harry Bronson 66% to 33%.[7] Since his initial election, Robach has never faced serious opposition, with an exception in 2008, when he narrowly defeated Richard A. Dollinger 52% to 48%.[8]
Despite the district being overwhelmingly Democratic by voter registration, Robach was unopposed in 2012 and 2014. He won reelection by double digits in 2016 and 2018.[9]
On December 11, 2019, Robach announced that he would not run for reelection in 2020.[10]
Currently, Robach hosts a weekly radio show on WYSL.[11]