John Mcdonald has been a dedicated public servant in New York State for many years, currently representing the 108th Assembly District since 2013. This district encompasses parts of Albany, Rensselaer, and Saratoga counties, including his hometown of Cohoes, along with communities like Green Island, North Greenbush, and Troy. His commitment to the region is evident through his long-standing service and deep roots within the community.
Prior to his role in the Assembly, John McDonald served as the Mayor of Cohoes for 13 years. During his time as Mayor, he focused on key areas such as strengthening the city’s financial standing, enhancing the quality of life for residents, and actively pursuing economic opportunities. McDonald spearheaded initiatives for downtown revitalization, repurposed historic buildings, and developed the Hudson and Mohawk Riverfront areas. His leadership fostered a more transparent government process, contributing to increased financial stability for Cohoes. Notably, under his mayoral leadership, Cohoes experienced its first population growth since 1930, increasing by over 8%.
John McDonald’s background extends beyond politics. He is a graduate of Keveny Memorial Academy and earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Albany College of Pharmacy in 1985. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities, highlighting his broader contributions. As a practicing pharmacist, John brings a unique perspective to his public service. He is also an experienced small business owner, having previously owned Marra’s Pharmacy, a family business deeply rooted in downtown Cohoes for over 90 years. This experience gives him firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses in New York State.
In the New York State Assembly, John McDonald serves as the Chair of the Governmental Operations Committee, a significant role reflecting his expertise in government operations and efficiency. He is also a member of several other key committees, including Alcoholism & Drug Abuse, Health, Higher Education, and Ways and Means, demonstrating his wide-ranging policy interests. His legislative efforts are focused on areas where he brings considerable experience: local government issues, healthcare access, and supporting small businesses. McDonald has successfully sponsored and passed legislation aimed at reducing unfunded mandates on local governments, controlling property taxes, promoting job growth and workforce development, improving healthcare access, and addressing the critical opioid crisis.
Beyond his official roles, John McDonald has been actively involved in numerous organizations. He is a past President of the New York State Conference of Mayors, and has chaired the Capital District Transportation Committee and RiverSpark. His service extends to boards such as the Albany Convention Center Authority and the NYS Department of Financial Services Drug Accountability Board. He also serves on the Executive Committee for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), showcasing his engagement on a national level. Through his extensive involvement and dedicated service, John McDonald continues to be a strong advocate for his constituents and the wider New York State community.
