Suffolk Legis. Anthony Piccirillo Elected Presiding Officer Of Legislature

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Suffolk Legis. Anthony Piccirillo was elected presiding officer of the county's legislature at Monday's organizational meeting in Hauppauge.

Piccirillo, of Holbrook, was first elected in 2019, representing the 8th Legislative District, including Bayport, Blue Point, Bohemia, Holbrook, Holtsville, Lake Ronkonkoma, Medford, Oakdale, Sayville, and West Sayville.

He has served on the environment, parks and agriculture, veterans, and consumer affairs committees.

Republicans hold an 11-7 majority in the legislature.

Piccirillo's nomination received 13 votes in favor, while five Democrats abstained, Newsday reported.

Piccirillo promised to ensure "every district has the resources it needs to meet the challenges ahead," and pledged to support law enforcement and public safety, as well as protect the environment and work to keep the county affordable "to ensure the next generation can afford to pursue their American dream right here at home," the outlet reported.

The legislature's minority leader, Jason Richberg, a Democrat from West Babylon, said the caucus' position "reflects a thoughtful and deliberate posture, adding that "It is our hope that you will represent all of us in your capacity, and we look forward not only to having a seat at the table in words, but in action and engaging in meaningful dialogue going forward so this legislature can work collaboratively for the betterment of all Suffolk County," according to the outlet.

In a statement, Republican Chairman Jesse Garcia said the party congratulated Piccirillo as well as the entire Republican legislative majority team of the "Class of 2026."

"This is a team grounded in experience, proven leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the core ideals that have guided our success: a safer, more secure, and more affordable Suffolk County for every family," he said.

Since taking the legislative majority for the first time after 16 years, the party has delivered "results," he said.

He said that the Republican majority has added more cops, detectives, and prosecutors to keep residents safe, and has "reallocated resources properly," like funding crime-fighting tools like ShotSpotter.

"A safer Suffolk is the foundation of a stronger and more affordable Suffolk," he added.

Piccirillo brings "deep institutional knowledge and tested leadership" to his role, Garcia said, adding that his service as chair of government operations and the environment, planning, and agriculture committees, as well as his leadership of the select committee that investigated the cybersecurity breach "demonstrates his command of the issues and the seriousness with which he approaches oversight and governance."

Legis. Jim Mazzarella, whose district includes the Mastic-Shirley-Moriches area, was elected deputy presiding officer.

In a post to Facebook, Mazzarella said he is "truly honored to have been selected," and called his role a responsibility he takes seriously, and is "committed to serving with integrity, fairness, and respect for all viewpoints."

"I will draw on the experience I’ve gained as a Suffolk County Legislator to help guide productive discussions and find common ground — even when perspectives differ," he said.

"While I am proud to take on this new leadership role, my top priority remains the same: serving the residents of the 3rd Legislative District and working every day to improve quality-of-life for our community," he added.

"I look forward to serving in this new capacity and congratulate Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo as he steps into his leadership role," he said. "Thank you to my colleagues and to the residents I am honored to represent."

Garcia credited Mazzarella with providing "steady leadership on critical issues, including economic development," and added that Majority Leader Legis. Nick Caracappa's work guiding public works, and Legis. Steve Flotteron’s leadership on public safety, underscore the depth of experience and professionalism this team brings to the table.

"Building on the strong foundation laid by the Republican majorities elected in 2021 and 2023, this new leadership team will continue an agenda that has stabilized county finances, strengthened Suffolk’s bond ratings, eliminated wasteful spending, and ended the Democrats’ red-light camera program that unfairly burdened our residents by nearly $40 million," he said. "We proved that responsible, transparent government is not just possible — it works."

"Together, this Republican majority represents continuity, competence, and conviction," Garcia said. "They are true to the ideals that have restored fiscal discipline, strengthened public safety, and renewed confidence in Suffolk County government."

"The Suffolk County Republican Party is proud of this outstanding legislative team, and the 11-member majority, as they continue moving Suffolk forward — safer, stronger, and more affordable," he said.