Political party Republican Role Politician Name Bill Nojay | Children three Spouse(s) Debra Party Republican Party | |
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Preceded by David Gantt by redistricting Born November 24, 1956
Rochester, New York ( 1956-11-24 ) Alma mater Colgate University and Columbia University Profession Politician, Attorney and Radio Host Residence Pittsford, New York, United States Education Colgate University, Columbia University | ||
A look back at Bill Nojay's career
William R. "Bill" Nojay (born William R. Nogaj; November 24, 1956 – September 9, 2016) was an American politician and member of the New York State Assembly. He represented the 133rd Assembly District, which includes parts of Steuben and Monroe counties and all of Livingston County.
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Early life
Nojay was born and raised in Rochester, New York, where his father worked at Eastman Kodak. His surname was originally "Nogaj", but he changed the spelling to match the pronunciation. He earned a bachelor's degree from Colgate University and graduated from Columbia University with degrees from their law school and business school.
Career
In 1996, Nojay was appointed by Governor George Pataki as commissioner of the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority. He also served on the Executive Committee of the Genesee Transportation Council and as chairman of the Regional Trails Initiative Steering Committee for the Rochester region, and as chief operating officer of Detroit’s transportation system under Mayor Dave Bing.
Nojay had a long history of support for international democratic movements. He worked in Nepal, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Libya. He also worked extensively inside Cambodia on behalf of the Khmer People’s National Liberation Front. He was the director and secretary treasurer of the Foundation for Democracy in Iran, a group that advocates for democracy in Iran.
After redistricting, Nojay challenged and defeated Steuben County Legislator Randy Weaver, winning a vacant seat in the newly created 133rd Assembly District. He also hosted a regionally syndicated conservative talk radio show, which predated his election to the state legislature. The program originated from WYSL.
Nojay supported Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, and he served as co-chair of its New York campaign committee. He had asked Trump to run for governor of New York in 2013.
Death
On September 9, 2016, Nojay committed suicide by firearm near his family's plot at Riverside Cemetery in Rochester, New York. He was due in court that day to face fraud charges related to his legal work, which were subsequently sealed.
Nojay was already running for re-election as assemblyman, and the following Tuesday, September 14, 2016, he posthumously defeated Richard Milne, his challenger in the primary election for the Republican nomination. As a result, a Republican party committee selected former Assemblyman Joseph Errigo to replace Nojay in the general election, which Errigo won.