Nassau Minority Leader Won't Seek Reelection; Still 'Thirst To Serve'

FREEPORT, NY — After more than two decades in the Nassau Legislature, Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams (D-Freeport) has decided not to seek reelection.

Abrahams, who was the youngest ever elected to the legislature in 2002, told Patch it is the right time to leave this political office.

"It needs the focus of a member who can give and devote a majority, if not all, of their time," he said.

Abrahams said he wants to spend more time with his teenage children, but the veteran lawmaker is only using this as a temporary break from politics.

"I've never lost the passion to be in some type of political capacity," he said. "I just know right now [for] the legislature that time has expired. I still have the thirst and the need to serve."

Asked about a highlight of working for his constituents during these 20 years, Abrahams called it a "loaded question," but he is proud of his office delivering "tens of millions of dollars in road and park projects" for the community he serves.

While the next potential campaign is uncertain, Abrahams seems open.

"It might be more local than what I serve in now or it could be something higher. Who knows what the future will bring?" Abrahams said.

Short term, though, Abrahams reiterated his need to be more of a family man.