Democratic state Sen. Todd Kaminsky on Monday formally launched his campaign for Nassau County district attorney, signaling the potential departure of a key lawmaker who represents Long Island in Albany.
Kaminsky was first elected in a special election in 2016, flipping the seat of former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, who was ousted following his conviction on felony corruption charges.
Kaminsky would replace former District Attorney Madeline Singas, a Democrat who was nominated and confirmed this month for a seat on the state Court of Appeals, New York's highest court.
“Nassau County needs a District Attorney with a record of results and experience to keep our families safe -- and I am ready to do the job day one," Kaminsky said. "As an assistant district attorney, federal prosecutor and legislator, I have always prioritized public safety and delivered justice for our communities. As DA, I will protect our families from violent crime, taxpayers from fraud and corruption, and the human rights of every New Yorker. Let’s get to work."
Kaminsky is a former federal prosecutor and served in the state Assembly prior to entering the state Senate. He's been a key member of the Senate's Long Island delegation, a suburban bloc of lawmakers in the chamber and is considered a prodigious fundraiser among Democrats in the conference. In the state Senate, he's been looked to as a reliable bellwether for suburban Democrats on criminal justice issues, the environment and education.
His run for DA has the backing of Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.
“Under my watch, Nassau was named the safest community in America," she said in a statement. "There’s nothing I take more seriously than the safety of our families. As an experienced prosecutor, Senator Kaminsky has a record of supporting our law enforcement officers, working hand-in-hand with them to clean up crime and take on corruption. With Senator Kaminsky as our District Attorney, the County will have a strong ally as we continue to keep Nassau families safe."