Candidate Profile: Craig Herskowitz For NY Senate District 2

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Election Day is right around the corner, and voters will choose between incumbent Republican state Senator Mario Mattera and Democratic challenger Craig Herskowitz in the general election on Nov. 5 for New York State Senate District 2.

The 2nd State Senate District covers the townships of Huntington and Smithtown.

In anticipation of the election, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as election day draws near. Here are their answers, lightly edited for clarity.

Name

Craig Herskowitz

Campaign website

craigfornewyork.com

City or town of residence

Northport

Office sought

New York State Senate District 2

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

American University, BA; Quinnipiac Law School, JD

Occupation

Attorney

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My mother was elected to the Board of Trustees for the Northport-East Northport Public Library.

Age

43

Previous public office, appointive or elective

I am a former administrative law judge and previously served as assistant counsel to the governor.

Why are you seeking this office?

Senate District 2 deserves a seat at the table in Albany. We’re being completely overlooked due to having a Republican senator with no power in the chamber. I’ll take the voices of Long Islanders into the majority conference.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The choice between myself and my opponent is stark. Only one of us will stand up for democracy, improve our economy and oppose the Trump agenda.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Voters have told our campaign repeatedly that their top concerns are about economic issues. Jobs, housing, taxation and economic stress from the migrant crisis all come up. I want voters to know that I’ll enter Albany with a mission to reduce their financial burdens and ensure their economic security.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I served New York during the pandemic as assistant counsel to the governor. My work included the implementation of telehealth and waiving all vaccine copays. I successfully negotiated numerous bills regarding tax policy and financial matters with the Senate and Assembly, which was signed into law by the Governor.

What problems facing your district would you look to solve if you are elected/re-elected?

Voters tell us that their overwhelming concern is the economic stability of their families. Because our current senator is a part of the Republican conference, District 2 has no real seat at the table in Albany. I can get funding to this district that my opponent simply can’t.

Cancer is a prominent health issue for Long Islanders and is a leading cause of death for children. What measures would you take to help lower cancer rates and bolster research in the field?

State-level funding is essential on the research end while quality preventative care and treatment is crucial to saving the lives of children. I support both increased research funding and legislation to ensure every New Yorker is receiving the health care to which they’re entitled as a human right.

What would you do to help small businesses struggling with inflation and the cost of goods needed to manufacture their products?

While state senators have no power over inflation impacting the cost of goods, our offices can serve as important service centers for small business owners through constituent services. Whether it be through through securing a small business loan, accessing grant opportunities or locating small business tax deductions, our offices can help ease financial stress caused by inflation.

Water quality is critical to the region. What plans do you have to help improve water quality and keep it safe for generations?

I’m happy to report that this year has seen an improvement in water quality due to state and federal regulations, along with mandatory chemical filtering. We need to do more to remove microplastics and nitrates from our water. I will stay on top of this issue to ensure the water quality continues to improve and we reach full compliance.

How can the immigration crisis be addressed at the federal and local level? Can federal and local officials work together?

The immigration crisis is frankly a failure at the federal level. We do not have enough resources, including judges, to handle the increasing caseload. And while the federal government fails on processing caseloads, states are seeing a strain on already inadequate housing and resources. To be clear, this is not the fault of immigrants. This is the fault of Republicans. New York needs the federal government to pull its own weight and get us the funding to deal with what has become a humanitarian crisis. And I will work with federal and local officials to improve the situation for all of us.

What can be done about inflation, which some say can be attributed to price gauging?

Our Attorney General has made significant strides through new price gouging rules under the updated price gouging law. While there’s more work to be done, I look forward to supporting the attorney general’s efforts to end corporate greed that crosses the line into illegal price gouging.

The median cost of renting on Long Island falls between $2,000 and $3,100. How can more affordable housing options be created?

From increasing housing stock to stronger renter protections and rent stabilization, we have a number of tools to achieve affordable housing goals. We need to improve our infrastructure, such as sewer systems, and provide tax incentives for developers, in conjunction with working closely with local communities to identify housing needs.

What is your stance on SALT (State and Local Tax Relief)?

I strongly support lifting the SALT cap imposed by the Trump administration to punish New York families and blue states. While I would like to see the SALT cap be repealed immediately, it will expire automatically next year and won’t be renewed if Hakeem Jeffries becomes Speaker of the House.

What needs to be done to keep Long Island streets safe from crime?

Being serious about public safety means dealing in facts, not fearmongering. We’re seeing strides in public safety, and true public safety means the prevention of crime, not just responding to crime after someone has already been victimized. While my opponent fearmongers, I have been meeting with public safety experts about issues like crime prevention, which can include everything from better lighting infrastructure to increased afterschool programs to mental health services.

The DWI/DWAI rate is escalating island wide. What measures can you fight for, to address the escalating addiction crisis?

Addiction is a public health crisis and public safety issue. We need more funding to mental health and addiction services to seriously address this nationwide crisis. Additionally, many people wrongly feel they can safely drive after one or two drinks. New York severely punishes those who refuse to take a breathalyzer test or drive over the legal limit, even when no harm occurred. More needs to be done to inform the public of the risks of driving after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage. In the age of ride-sharing applications, there is no excuse for anyone to risk the safety of others and their future.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Do the right thing, no matter the consequences.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Born in Huntington, NY, and raised in Northport, NY, I have a long held passion for public service and the pursuit of justice. After attending American University, I interned for Senator Edward M. Kennedy in Washington, D.C., and Congressman Steve Israel in Hauppauge, NY, learning to write and move legislation as well as the importance of constituent services.

As an attorney, I worked at the F.B.I. and the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division, where I actively participated in various high-profile cases involving terrorists, drug traffickers, and money launderers. Those successful prosecutions further solidified his commitment to serving the public and ensuring the fair application of justice.

In 2019, I was appointed Assistant Counsel to the Governor. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I waived copayments for testing and vaccinations, implemented telehealth, and provided tax relief for small businesses and families. I assisted in establishing the restaurant return-to-work tax credit program to help restaurants re-open.

I also served as an NYC administrative law judge, presiding over hearings and ensuring the principles of justice are upheld. Inspired by my career of public service to the people of New York, I am now setting my sights on serving my home district of SD-2 in Albany by joining the New York State Senate.

I would bring to Albany a deep understanding of the issues facing our community, a passion for making a difference, and an absolute commitment to serve my fellow Long Islanders with honor and integrity. I'm ready to flip SD-2 blue and deliver results for Long Islanders.