John Salka

John J. Salka is an American politician and respiratory therapist from the state of New York. A Republican, Salka has represented the 121st district of the New York State Assembly, based in Madison and Otsego Counties, since 2019.^[1][2]

John Salka
Member of the New York State Assembly from the 121st district
In office January 9, 2019 – January 6, 2021
Preceded by	William Magee
Succeeded by	Joe Angelino (residtricted)
Personal details
Born	(1954-11-14) November 14, 1954 (age 70) Utica, New York, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Erin
Children	2
Education	Mohawk Valley Community College (AS)
Signature
Website	State Assembly website Campaign website

Career

Salka has worked as a respiratory therapist for 30 years,^[1] currently serving as the director of cardiopulmonary services at Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton.^[3]

Electoral history

Salka was elected as Brookfield Town Supervisor in 2007, a position he held until 2018.^[1]

In 2014, Salka ran for the New York State Assembly's 121st district, challenging long-serving incumbent Democrat William Magee.^[4] Salka lost, 53-47%. He ran again against Magee in 2016, losing by a slightly narrower margin of 52-48%.^[5]

Salka announced a third run for the Assembly in 2018, this time defeating Magee 51-49%. He took office on January 9, 2019.^[6]

Personal life

Salka lives in Brookfield with his wife, Erin. They had two children, a son and a daughter. Their daughter died of brain cancer in 2015.^[7]