Overview

Kevin J. Rooney is a Republican politician and business executive who represented the 40th Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2016 through 2024. Prior to his state legislative service, Rooney served six and a half years on the Wyckoff Township Committee, including three terms as Mayor (2011, 2015, 2016) and two terms as Deputy Mayor (2010, 2014). He also served on the Wyckoff Zoning Board of Adjustment from 1999 to 2009.

Before entering politics, Rooney pursued a career in arboriculture spanning more than 30 years, rising to the rank of Vice President at a multi-state company. He later transitioned to real estate development and management as Managing Partner of HMS Global Holdings, LLC, headquartered in Wyckoff, where he has worked since 2008. He and his wife also own Holland Hills Farm, LLC, an equestrian business located at North Jersey Equestrian Center in Pompton Plains.

Political Career

Zoning Board of Adjustment, Wyckoff Township (1999–2009)

Township Committeeman, Wyckoff (2010–2016)

Deputy Mayor, Wyckoff Township (2010, 2014)

Mayor, Wyckoff Township (2011, 2015–2016)

Member, New Jersey General Assembly, District 40 (December 2016–January 2024)

Deputy Republican Whip, New Jersey General Assembly (2021–2022)

Deputy Minority Conference Leader, New Jersey General Assembly (2022–2024)

Member, Assembly Appropriations Committee (2016–2024)

Member, Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee (2016–2024)

Member, Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee (2019–2020)

Key Policy Areas

Appropriations and fiscal policy (longtime Appropriations Committee member)

Consumer affairs and protection

Environment and solid waste management (2019–2020 committee service)

Infrastructure and transportation (sponsored congestion pricing relief legislation)

Public safety and emergency services (sponsored opioid antidote access for first responders)

Election administration (sponsored election worker pay increase legislation)

Agriculture and animal welfare (sponsored multiple animal protection bills)

Notable Actions / Initiatives

Deputy Republican Whip (2021–2022) and Deputy Minority Conference Leader (2022–2024)

Won $10,000 on the Food Network competition series "Chopped" in February 2013 and donated winnings to Oasis – A Haven for Women and Children, a charity serving Paterson

Sponsored the "Madison Holleran Proper Reporting Act," requiring institutions of higher education to post information on student suicides and attempted suicides

Sponsored legislation raising election worker pay to $300 per day

Sponsored legislation authorizing first responders to obtain, administer, and dispense opioid antidotes with immunity

Sponsored the "Congestion Pricing Cost Relief Commission" to study impacts of New York congestion pricing on New Jersey commuters

Education

Ramapo College of New Jersey (Business, 1980)

Rutgers University, Cook College (Arboriculture)

Personal

Birth date: January 13, 1960

Residence: Wyckoff, New Jersey

Occupation: Managing Partner, HMS Global Holdings, LLC (real estate development and management); former Vice President in arboriculture industry

Other: Winner, Food Network "Chopped" competition (2013); donated prize to charity serving homeless women and children