Voters will head to the polls this month to decide the primaries that will determine who will be on the ballots in congressional, New York State assembly, state Senate and several local seats this Election Day.
Primary Day is June 25, with the 10-day early voting period starting on June 15. Here is a look at the biggest primary races that registered Democratic voters in certain districts will face in polling places in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
NASSAU COUNTY
6th New York State Senate District
Taylor R. Darling
A dual citizen of Britain and America, Taylor R. Darling was elected as the New York State District 18 Assemblywoman in 2018. Since taking office, she has been working to improve the quality of Nassau County residents’ lives and hopes to make history as the first woman senator in the 6th District Senate. The winner of this race faces Republican Thomas Philip Montefinise on Election Day.
Siela A. Bynoe
Currently serving her fifth term as Nassau County legislator, Bynoe was appointed after time as the assistant director for the North Hempstead Housing Authority and executive director of Huntington Housing Authority. In her position as a mortgage loan consultant and credit loan officer, she launched the Nassau branch of the Long Island Housing Partnership and received $3 million in aid for first-time home buyers.
7th New York State Senate District
Brad Schwartz
Recipient of a graduate degree in Public Policy from John Hopkins University, Schwartz brings his expertise in the dissemination of information by media and government policy outcomes to his State Senator campaign. As a founding chairman of Sid Jacobson JCC’s Community Needs Bank, Schwartz combats food insecurity and plans to address outcomes that arise from Long Island’s high cost of living. He is vying for a chance to challenge state Sen. Jack Martins (R-Mineola) on Election Day.
Kim Keiserman
A 23-year resident of Port Washington, President of the Port Washington Democratic Club, and Zone Leader for Nassau County Democratic Committee, Keiserman says her plans for the position, if elected, include strengthening the education systems by enlarging funding for public schools, promoting affordable living communities, encouraging practical gun laws, standing up for women’s reproductive rights, and more.
18th State Assembly District
Noah Burroughs
Growing up in Hempstead and now serving as a current Trustee for the Village of Hempstead, Burroughs looks to take his commitment to public service as a Member of the Assembly. As Trustee, Burroughs has funded $40,000,000 for projects and improvements around the village. He has also taken the initiative to invest in vehicles, body-worn cameras, gun eliminations for the Police Department, and additional vehicles and fire trucks for the Department of Public Works. The winner will face Republican Danielle Samantha Smikle on Election Day.
Lisa Ortiz
Ortiz’s dedicated community leader approach looks to land her a spot as New York State Assembly. As the founder and CEO of Creative Little Learners, Inc. and President of the Lakeview Public Library Trustees, she has established multiple community events to promote unity and education to the residents of Lakeview. In 2023, she received the Woman of Distinction Award for her efforts and contributions to the community.
21st State Assembly District
Judy A. Griffin
Griffin is running for re-election as the Long Island representative for the New York State Assembly. She is a four-time candidate distinction of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America in 2018, 2020, 2022, and again in 2024. If re-elected, Griffin plans to continue her Gun Sense Champion in New York State after passing a bill in 2019 that prohibits teachers from carrying guns to protect students. She is seeking a rematch against state Assemblyman Brian Curran (R-Rockville Centre), who unseated her.
Patricia Maher
As an Assembly candidate, Maher looks to prioritize increased school funding, lower tax rates, create affordable health insurance, protect 9/11 retiree’s health benefits, and find a solution for the student debt crisis. Maher has been a Democratic committeewoman in Nassau County for over 18 years and a founding member of the Baldwin Democratic Club.
SUFFOLK COUNTY
1st Congressional District
Nancy C. Goroff
Goroff ran for New York’s First Congressional District in 2020, losing to then-U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley). She is the former chemistry chair at Stony Brook University. The Suffolk County native hopes to combat climate change, reduce energy prices, bring down the cost of healthcare and put an end to gun violence. She vying for a chance to challenge U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Rocky Point)
John P. Avlon
Avlon is a journalist and writer who was the editor-in-chief of the Daily Beast from 2013-2018. He’s a CNN senior political analyst and anchor. Avlon is a co-founder of the No Labels political party and movement, which he left in 2013, and prides himself on being a voice of reason.
4th State Assembly District
Skyler Q. Johnson
Johnson is a lifelong Long Islander who graduated from Stony Brook University and ran for New York State Senate District 1 in 2022. He received 57,000 votes. Johnson has been an advocate for protecting reproductive rights, providing access to birth control, combatting the opioid crisis and ensuring fair access to victim’s compensation. The winner of this primary will challenge state Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson) on Election Day.
Rebecca A. Kassay
Kassay is a longtime environmental advocate who graduated from SUNY New Paltz in 2010 with a degree in Environmental Studies and Communications. A former Port Jefferson Village trustee and deputy mayor, Kassay is focusing her candidacy on creating science-based solutions, building climate resilience strategies and integrating community involvement into governance.
