Suffolk Legislature To Set Date For Special Election For 15th LD

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY - The Suffolk County Legislature will be looking to fill the seat which will be left open by Legislator DuWayne Gregory, who announced he will be leaving to take a councilman position with the Town of Babylon.

"Certain experiences become a part of who you are at your core. They change you, shape you, and prepare you for what’s coming next. And you carry them with you forever. My time on the Suffolk County Legislature is one of those experiences," Gregory said. "I have spent the past 11 years here, first as a legislative aide and then as the legislator for the 15th legislative district as well as the presiding officer. I have loved every minute of my county service, but it is time for me to move on."

Gregory stepped down from representing the 15th Legislative District in order to join the town council. He will be taking over for Jackie Gordon, who announced she was stepping down to focus on her congressional run.

Gregory said in a statement that after being re-elected to his last term last November, people have been asking what his next steps are. He said he was "grateful and excited" for the opportunity to continue serving the public in Babylon.

"In many ways, this new adventure is like going home. I got my start in government by working for the Town of Babylon in constituent services," he said.

He said the Suffolk County Legislature will be bittersweet and called serving the people of Suffolk County his "greatest privilege."

"The members of this legislative body do immensely important work, and it has been a true honor to be a part of it. I will never forget my time here and the people I shared it with," he said. "I have been blessed to be able to do what I love with the support of my constituents, colleagues, family, and friends, and I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish together over the years to make Suffolk County a place we are all proud to call home."

The legislature is hosting a special meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 15 where according to the agenda, officials will be setting a date for the special election to fill the vacancy.

The 15th legislative district includes Wheatley Heights, Wyandanch, North Amityville, Amityville Village, Copiague, parts of North Lindenhurst, West Babylon and North Babylon, and the Suffolk portion of Farmingdale.

The Suffolk County Democratic committee confirmed to Patch that they are considering democratic candidate Jason Richberg. The North Babylon resident currently works as a clerk for the Suffolk County Legislature.

Patch reached out the Suffolk County Republican committee to inquire the republican candidate, but did not receive a response at press time.