Incumbent Rockland District Attorney Thomas Walsh has won reelection, triumphing over challenger Attorney Theresa DiFalco in a closely-watched election showdown. Despite the hurdles of a write-in campaign, DiFalco, an experienced former prosecutor and school board trustee, put up a valiant fight to dethrone the established DA.
The electoral battle drew significant attention following the handling of the 2021 Evergreen Court Home for Adults fire case by Walsh’s office. The incident, which resulted in fatalities, became a focal point of opposition after a decision to offer a no-jail probationary sentence to two rabbis involved in the tragic incident. The decision galvanized support for DiFalco among firefighters and community members who were dissatisfied with the outcome.
However, Walsh’s dual endorsement from both the Democratic and Republican parties and a huge turnout from the Jewish communities in Rockland County, provided him with a substantial advantage that proved insurmountable for DiFalco’s grassroots campaign. Despite the strong backing from community sectors impacted by the Evergreen Court fire, the odds remained stacked against DiFalco in her bid to unseat the incumbent.