Candidates Named In 10th Assembly Race

Left, Republican Janet Smitelli, Right, Democrat Steve Stern

By Connor Beach
cbeach@longislandergroup.com

Local Democrats and Republicans have announced their candidates to fill the currently-vacant seat in the state’s 10th Assembly District. A special election for the open post is set for April 24.

The 10th Assembly Seat has been vacant since Dec. 31 when Republican Chad Lupinacci, who held the seat since 2013, took over his new position as Huntington Town Supervisor.

For the open post, Suffolk Republican leaders have chosen Mineola-based attorney and Huntington resident Janet Smitelli, a former candidate for Suffolk Legislature.

Democrats, meanwhile, have selected former longtime Suffolk Legislator Steve Stern, an Islandia-based attorney from Dix Hills.

Smitelli – who in 2015 unsuccessfully ran against then-incumbent Suffolk Legislator Lou D’Amaro – said in a statement Wednesday she’s looking forward to continuing the leadership provided by Lupinacci.

“I am pleased and honored to announce my candidacy for the New York State Assembly in the 10th District,” Smitelli stated. “As a mother of three who works a full time job, I best understand the struggles that middle class families face here in Huntington.”

She added, “Making sure Long Island gets its fair share from Albany will be my top priority.”

Suffolk GOP Chairman John LaValle did not return a call for comment before deadline Wednesday.

Huntington Democratic Chair Mary Collins said Stern was selected because, as a former legislator, he “knows how to get things done.”

“He has innovative ideas, and he’s done a lot of really good work,” Collins said. “Plus, he was very responsive on constituent issues.”

Stern, who was termed out of his position in the county’s 16th Legislative District, said in an interview Tuesday he is excited about the opportunity to serve in the state assembly.

“I’m running because I believe I’ve made our community proud with my past years of service, and we’ve accomplished a lot together,” Stern said.

Stern also said the campaign is a chance for the 10th district’s representative to serve in the Assembly’s Democratic majority; the seat has been held by a Republican since 1983.

“Having a representative who has the opportunity to raise important issues for our local area and deliver to our residents is a real opportunity that we are presented with this time,” Stern said.

The special election for the 10th district, which covers the western portion of the Town of Huntington, is scheduled for Tuesday, April 24.