Rob Ortt, Minority Leader in the New York State Senate and a decorated veteran, addressed cultural traditions and state policy issues in a series of posts on April 6, 2026.
In his first post at 12:55 UTC, Ortt explained Dyngus Day celebrations to those unfamiliar with the tradition. He wrote, “To our friends outside of Western New York: yes, Dyngus Day is a real thing. We celebrate after 40 days of fasting with parades, polka, downing Polish and Ukrainian beer, getting whacked with pussy willows, and lightly assaulted with squirt guns. Calendar of events here: https://t.co/xZf70ss9Wd”.
Later that day at 15:00 UTC, Ortt outlined a legislative plan from the New York State Senate GOP aimed at supporting families facing economic challenges. He stated, “The @nysenategop has a pro-active plan in place to help struggling families: • Return $3 billion in unused funds to ratepayers • One-year utility tax holiday • Two-year gas tax relief • End Green Scam Mandates It’s time for Albany Democrats to work with us and deliver.”
At 18:04 UTC, Ortt criticized Albany Democrats regarding election practices. He posted, “When the @timesunion editorial board calls you out for hyper-partisan corruption, that’s when you know you’ve got a real problem. It’s clear as day Albany Democrats are putting their fingers on the scale of fairness to rig elections in their favor. Stop the nonsense.”
Ortt’s public service background includes specialization in assisting middle-income families with debt reduction and retirement planning as well as leadership roles such as being the first official to hold the combined title of Clerk-Treasurer in North Tonawanda. According to his official biography, he has also focused on veteran reintegration and support for post-traumatic stress after serving in Afghanistan where he received several military honors including the Bronze Star.
