Mother Of Missing LI Legislature Candidate Reflects On Election Outcome: 'My Petey Lives In All Our Hearts'

BALDWIN, NY — It has been 562 days since Petros Krommidas, a Nassau County legislature candidate, went missing on April 23— and yet, for his anguished family and friends, community members and even strangers who've spent hours searching, praying and hoping, that day when he disappeared has always been just a heartbeat away.

His loss is a palpable ache, a pain that's ever present.

And on Election Night, while candidates waited anxiously for the ballots to be counted, for the race to unfold — for one Long Island mother, the results meant something far more than a term in office.

Because while all the candidates had been campaigning, knocking on doors and distributing palm cards, her own precious boy, a young man dedicated to changing the world with his voice and beliefs, had gone missing on a dark night, leaving no trace in the water or on the beaches of Long Island, where the searches to bring him home have been organized with fierce hearts, abiding love, and so much prayer and faith.

In October, a judge ruled that Petros would remain on the ballot despite being missing. For his family, that line on the ballot meant everything — represented all that their Petros had worked toward and planned for, his future bright with promise and all that was yet to be.

Although Republican Patrick Mullaney ultimately won the race in the 4th district of the Nassau County Legislature, Petros Krommidas received an overwhelming 7,481 votes, or 39.76 percent.

His mother Maria told Patch just what each and every one of those votes meant to her and her family.

"My Petey lives in all of our hearts, and I’m so deeply proud of him," she said. "Even though he lost to Mullaney, receiving nearly 40 percent of the votes — without spending a single dollar on campaigning — shows how much he touched people’s lives. He inspired others through his kindness, integrity, and the genuine love he had for his community."

She added: "He would be so proud to know that so many believed in him and what he stood for. Petros shared his values openly and led with compassion — he would have made a remarkable leader."

In October, a message from the Nassau County Young Democrats read: "The Nassau County Young Democrats are officially endorsing the Vote for Petros campaign in honor of our friend Petros, who dedicated himself to fighting for a stronger and fairer community.

"Petros was the best of us — someone who left a lucrative career to better his community, to protect his family, and to do the right thing. He poured his heart into this race — knocking on doors, connecting with neighbors, and bringing people together around ideas that matter. After his tragic disappearance, so many of us have been left heartbroken, but his work and his spirit continue to guide us.

"With his mother and sister’s public endorsement of the campaign, we are proud and comfortable to stand beside them and so many others to carry on what Petros started. . .We will carry forward his message, his energy, and his commitment to public service. Vote for Petros — for the work he began, and for the better future he believed in."

In the hours before Election Day, his mother wrote on Facebook: "My boy believed in kindness, integrity, and doing what’s right for his community. He stood for fairness, independence, and humanity. As we continue to carry him in our hearts, let’s honor his spirit by showing up — by voting. Every vote helps ensure that fairness, compassion, and community continue to guide the future, just as he always hoped."

Krommidas went missing in April after he went swimming in Long Beach and was never seen again. Divers, drones and other rescue workers searched desperately for Krommidas.

As the search continued with no sign of him, his mother has long maintained her positivity, held onto faith and hope that she'd see her only son again. In the weeks after he went missing in the water, she sought the help of a certified diver, a drone operator — anyone who could use their expertise to find him.

And now, his family plans to honor their beloved Petros at a bicycle event next spring. Krommidas' mother Maria posted to Facebook that they are putting together "Petey's Team" for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour on May 3, "in honor of our Petey."

His family is seeking volunteers to join "Petey's Team" on May 3. To, register, click here.

Petros Krommidas, of Baldwin, graduated from Chaminade High School.

His mother added: "My Petey was training for a triathlon. This ride is not only about the miles — it’s about coming together as family, friends, and community to honor and celebrate Petey’s spirit, his love for movement, and his adventurous and kind heart."