Port Washington Assemblyman Anthony D'Urso Won't Seek Reelection

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — New York Assemblyman Anthony D'Urso, a Democrat who first won election in 2016 to serve the North Shore communities of Port Washington, Manhasset, Great Neck, North Hills and Roslyn Heights, will not seek reelection.

In a statement Tuesday, D'Urso said it was with "heavy heart" that he announced his decision to retire. The lawmaker said he wanted to spend more time with his family, particularly his grandchildren.

"For over a half century, I've had the honor of working in positions that gave me an opportunity to help my town and my state," D'Urso said. "It fills me with great pride."

D'Urso served for more than three decades at the New York City Department of Housing and Preservation, climbing the ranks to assistant commissioner of the Division of Architecture Engineering and Construction.

He was elected councilman for the Town of North Hempstead in 1991 where he served until 2005. In that role, he helped limit spending, saving taxpayer money, repairing infrastructure and improving local parks, according to his biography. D'Urso also helped pass "trap, spay/neuter and release" feral cat laws and secured funding to expand the town animal shelter.

After a decade of humanitarian and volunteer work, D'Urso was elected to serve as a state lawmaker in 2016.

"I have cherished representing the 16th Assembly District, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity," he said. "I have dedicated my life to giving back to my community, my state and the world to try and make it a better place. I truly hope that I have."

D'Urso and his wife, Maria, lived in New Hyde Park for 35 years before moving to Port Washington. They have four children and six grandchildren.