Karl Brabenec

Karl Brabenec is a Republican member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 98th District, which encompasses parts of Orange and Rockland Counties in the Hudson Valley. He has been serving in this capacity since 2014, following a special election to fill a vacancy. Throughout his tenure, Brabenec has held various leadership positions within the Assembly Republican Minority Conference, reflecting his active engagement in legislative processes and party dynamics.

Early life and career

Karl Brabenec was born on July 12, 1979, in Manhasset, New York. He spent his early childhood in Bayside, Queens, before relocating with his family to Slate Hill, New York, at the age of eight. Brabenec attended Minisink Valley High School, where he completed his secondary education. He then pursued higher education at Mount Saint Mary College, graduating in 2000. In 2005, he furthered his academic credentials by earning a Master of Public Administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Brabenec's family background is notable; both of his parents were police officers with the New York City Police Department. His father, Rainer K. Brabenec, served as a police officer, while his mother, Emilie (Popule) Brabenec, worked as a police dispatcher. They were Czechoslovak refugees who fled from the Sudetenland in the late 1940s to escape Soviet communist oppression. This heritage has influenced Brabenec's understanding of public service and community involvement.

At the age of 18, while still a student at Mount Saint Mary College, Brabenec began his career in public service as the events coordinator for the City of Newburgh, New York. His early career also included a role as the executive director of the Downing Park Planning Committee. In the early 2000s, he served as a staff assistant to Orange County Executive Edward A. Diana, gaining valuable experience in local government operations.

In 2007, Brabenec was appointed by the Deerpark Town Board to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Later that year, he was elected as a councilman for the Town of Deerpark. His political career progressed when he announced his candidacy for town supervisor in 2009, leading a team of candidates with expertise in law and business. All candidates, including Brabenec, were elected in November of that year. He served as town supervisor from 2010 to 2014 and also took on the role of assistant professor at SUNY Orange in 2010.

Brabenec's personal life includes his residence in Deerpark, New York, where he has two children, Karl and Kimberlee, from his previous marriage to Jessica Ebbecke, which lasted from 2005 to 2009.

Legislative service

Brabenec's legislative career began when he was elected in a special election in November 2014 to fill the remaining term of Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt, who had resigned to take on the role of Orange County Clerk. He was subsequently elected for a full two-year term starting in January 2015. Since then, Brabenec has successfully won re-election multiple times, demonstrating a consistent level of support from his constituents. His electoral victories include a second term in 2016, a third term in 2018, a fourth term in 2020, a fifth term in 2022, and a sixth term in 2024, with several of these elections resulting in significant margins of victory.

Throughout his time in the Assembly, Brabenec has held various leadership roles. He served as the ranking minority member of the Labor Committee and is currently a member of the Rules, Labor, and Election Law committees. His leadership trajectory within the Assembly Republican Minority Conference includes appointments to positions such as assistant minority whip in 2019, deputy minority whip in 2021, and minority whip in 2023. In 2025, he was appointed as the ranking member of the Committee on Standing Committees, and in February 2026, he was elevated to the role of Assistant Minority Leader, marking a significant leadership position within the conference.

Brabenec's political aspirations have also included consideration for higher office. In April 2018, he publicly acknowledged contemplating a run for the New York State Senate to succeed retiring Senator John Bonacic. However, after weighing his options, he decided to focus on his re-election campaign for the Assembly, which he successfully won later that year.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the New York State Assembly, Brabenec represents the interests of constituents in the 98th District, which includes areas in both Orange and Rockland Counties. His legislative focus encompasses a range of issues pertinent to his district and the broader state. Brabenec has been involved in various committees, allowing him to influence policy areas such as labor, election law, and legislative procedures.

In addition to his legislative responsibilities, Brabenec is actively engaged in community organizations. His involvement includes serving on the board of directors for the Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc., and being an associate member of the Orange County Shields. He is also affiliated with several local organizations, including the Greenwood Lake Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #2067, the Town of Deerpark Lions Club, and the National Rifle Association. His commitment to community service is further exemplified by his honorary status as a major with the United States Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol.

Brabenec's long-standing involvement with the Republican Party began at a young age. He served as president of the Orange County Young Republicans from 1997 to 2003 and again in 2005. His leadership roles have extended to positions within the New York State Young Republicans and the Young Republican National Federation. Currently, he holds the position of chairman of the Town of Deerpark Republican Committee.

Through his legislative service and community engagement, Karl Brabenec continues to play a significant role in the political landscape of New York, representing the interests of his constituents while contributing to the broader goals of the Republican Party.