TOWN OF NEWBURGH – Mary Lou Carolan stepped down from the Town of Newburgh Council on Thursday after the state Court of Appeals declined to hear her appeal seeking to remain in office.
Carolan’s resignation ends a 10-month court battle with Republican Paul Ruggiero over the council seat. Last April, the Orange County Supreme Court ruled in Ruggiero’s favor after he challenged the results of the November 2025 election. The Orange County Board of Elections had initially certified Carolan as the winner by two votes.
Carolan, a Democrat, remained on the Town Council with Ruggiero during most of the litigation and her appeals.
“I am truly humbled by the support of my family, friends, fellow Board members, and Town residents who have stood by me throughout this long journey,” said Ruggiero, who has served on the Town Board for 12 years. “Since April 13, 2026, when the Orange County Supreme Court ruled in my favor, I have remained focused on my responsibilities as a Board member and have continued working diligently on behalf of our Town and its residents. This experience has reminded many of us just how important it is that every vote counts, and every vote matters.”
Two Town Board seats were contested by four candidates in November. Democrat Mary McLymore received 3,292 votes, Carolan received 3,226 and Ruggiero received 3,224. Jim Politi received 3,123 votes.
Because the margin between Carolan and Ruggiero was fewer than 20 votes and less than 0.5%, state law required a full manual recount. Ruggiero subsequently challenged 22 ballots and filed a proceeding in Orange County Supreme Court seeking to have the ballots invalidated and the election results corrected.
“I’m disappointed that the Court of Appeals declined to review the Court’s decision,” Carolan’s attorney, Michael Treybich, said. “The people of the Town of Newburgh are losing a dedicated public servant. I hope that Mary Lou Carolan isn’t soured on running for office by this and that she runs again.”
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