Momentum Builds in Yonkers: Frank Jereis Brings Experience, Energy, and a Yonkers-First Vision to the 90th Assembly Race
With Assemblymember Nader Sayegh not seeking re-election, the race for New York’s 90th Assembly District marks a defining moment for Yonkers. The district, the only State Assembly seat entirely contained within city limits, represents more than 140,000 residents and plays a critical role in shaping funding for schools, infrastructure, housing, and labor across the city.
Frank Jereis is stepping into that moment with urgency.
A lifelong Yonkers resident and current chief of staff to Sayegh, Jereis is positioning his campaign around readiness, continuity, and what he calls a “Yonkers-first” commitment. Having served through two state budget cycles inside the Assembly office, he argues that Yonkers cannot afford a learning curve in Albany.
In an extended conversation with Yonkers Post contributor, Michael Lazari, Jereis discussed cost-of-living pressures, Con Edison rate reform, school funding inequities, responsible development, youth opportunity, and why he believes this race is about protecting Yonkers’ future.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Yonkers Post: With Assemblymember Nader Sayegh stepping aside, many residents see this as a turning point. What does this moment demand from the next representative?
Frank Jereis: It demands someone who can hit the ground running on day one.
Families are feeling pressure from every direction. There’s instability coming from Washington. There’s economic strain here at home. People are worried about healthcare. They’re worried about Social Security. They’re worried about rising costs across the board.
State government has never been more important.
I’ve worked inside the Assembly office through two full budget cycles. I understand how Albany negotiates funding. I understand how state agencies operate. I know the process. When someone calls my office on January 1st with a problem, I won’t be figuring it out. I’ll already be working on it.
Yonkers Post: You’ve worked behind the scenes for years. Why step forward now?
Frank Jereis: Public service has always been part of my life.
When Assemblymember Sayegh announced he would not seek re-election, I saw an opportunity to continue serving this city at a critical time. Yonkers raised me. I was born here. I plan to stay here.
This isn’t about chasing a title. It’s about stepping up when your community needs you.
Yonkers Post: You’ve helped elect Democrats over the years. What energy are you bringing into your own campaign?
Frank Jereis: Stay true to yourself. Stay focused on the people.
The enthusiasm I’m seeing across Yonkers has been strong. People want steady leadership, but they also want someone who is assertive and ready to fight for them. They want someone who understands how government works and who isn’t afraid to challenge it when necessary.
This campaign is about showing up in every neighborhood and listening.
Yonkers Post: When you speak to residents across the city, what issue consistently rises to the top?
Frank Jereis: The cost of living. Every single time.
Homeowners feel it. Renters feel it. Small business owners feel it. Families who have lived here for decades are questioning whether they can afford to stay.
A major driver of that frustration is Con Edison. Delivery charges have climbed dramatically. People feel like no matter how much they conserve, the bill is still high.
That’s why I’ve pledged not to accept donations from Con Edison or lobbyists affiliated with them. Utilities are essential services. Reform is overdue. Families should not feel squeezed just to keep their lights on.
Yonkers Post: You’ve mentioned federal uncertainty. How does that affect Yonkers families directly?
Frank Jereis: I’ve spoken with seniors who are genuinely worried about their Social Security and healthcare. Families are concerned about housing costs, food prices, utilities. These are not luxuries. These are necessities.
When people feel uncertain about essentials, it creates stress across entire households. State government must provide stability when federal uncertainty creates fear.
Yonkers Post: Many residents argue Yonkers contributes more than it receives. Where do you see that imbalance most clearly?
Frank Jereis: School funding is the clearest example.
Yonkers Public Schools operates in one of the most expensive regions in the state. Retaining teachers, maintaining buildings, and providing services all cost more here than in many other parts of New York.
Yet the funding formula does not always reflect that reality. Yonkers taxpayers contribute heavily. We deserve a fair share in return.
Revisiting that formula and how Yonkers is classified is critical.
Yonkers Post: Development continues across the city. How do you ensure growth strengthens Yonkers without pushing longtime residents out?
Frank Jereis: Growth must be responsible.
New development can strengthen the tax base and modernize infrastructure. But it cannot come at the expense of the people who built this community.
State incentives should require affordable housing units and strong labor standards. If public money supports development, the public must benefit.
We can grow without losing what makes Yonkers, Yonkers.
Yonkers Post: Beyond schools, how should Albany help create opportunity for young people here?
Frank Jereis: Yonkers has strong organizations already doing meaningful work.
The YMCA of Yonkers and the Yonkers Police Athletic League provide structure, mentorship, and safe environments. The Yonkers PAL recently secured $4 million in state funding.
Albany should continue investing in organizations with deep roots and proven impact. Supporting youth today strengthens the city tomorrow.
Yonkers Post: If Yonkers’ interests ever conflict with party leadership, where do you stand?
Frank Jereis: My responsibility is to the residents of this district.
If there’s ever a choice between party priorities and what’s best for Yonkers, I will stand with Yonkers. That’s not complicated for me.
This is the only Assembly district fully contained within one city. The representative should wake up every day thinking about Yonkers first.
Yonkers Post: When voters look back on your term, what progress should they see?
Frank Jereis: They should see increased state investment in Yonkers schools. More infrastructure dollars flowing into our neighborhoods. Continued support for nonprofits. Strong labor standards tied to development.
And meaningful movement on utility reform so families finally feel relief when they open their monthly bills.
This city raised me. Representing it is a responsibility.
Yonkers Post: Finally, if someone is visiting Yonkers for the first time, where are you sending them?
Frank Jereis: Aroma Trattoria on Tuckahoe Road. The chicken martini.
