Gaughran becomes 1st Democrat to hold the seat in decades after flipping a seat held by a 25-year incumbent

(Northport, NY) Senator Jim Gaughran was sworn into office last night, Sunday, January 6th, by Governor Andrew Cuomo at the Engeman Theater in Northport. He was joined by U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, Assemblyman Chuck Lavine, dozens of elected officials, and hundreds of constituents in attendance.

“I am humbled and honored to represent our district in the State Senate,” said Senator Jim Gaughran. “I am excited for the opportunity to help end the dysfunction in Albany and finally pass critical legislation that New Yorkers have been demanding. I look forward to fighting for increased funding for our public schools and giving our communities relief from property taxes. I grew up on Long Island and raised my family here, and one day I look to retire here. I ran for State Senate so that you could do the same for your family.”

Background:
Senator Gaughran won the state senate seat for New York’s 5th district on November 6th, 2018, winning with more than 68,000 votes. He is the first Democrat in decades hold the seat. He began his career in public service as a Councilman in the Town of Huntington in 1983, going on to serve as a Suffolk County Legislator, then Chairperson of the Suffolk County Water Authority. Senator Gaughran will be Chair of the Local Government Committee. His senate district includes two counties, two towns, a city, and 20 villages. Gaughran took office on January 1st, 2019.