Missy Miller is the GOP’s choice in the 20th Assembly District

Atlantic Beach resident has advocacy experience

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Atlantic Beach resident Missy Miller is the Republican candidate to run in the 20th Assembly District, according to GOP officials.

Miller, 52, has spent the better part of the last three years advocating for the legalization of medicinal marijuana that is seen as a genuine treatment for individuals who suffer from several maladies, including the severe seizure her son, Oliver, 16, endures daily, due to the stroke he suffered before he was born. Oliver attends Lawrence High School.

“I was approached about a month ago, and I said how would I do that with taking care of Oliver and they asked me to consider it,” Miller said. “I talked it over with my family and it’s a better opportunity to make a difference. Between my oldest daughter and Oliver, I’ve been advocating in way shape or form.”


Her and husband, Brandon, grew up together and have been married for 27 years. They also have a daughter, Katy, who just earned her associate’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan. Another daughter, Melanie, died at 7, in 1997, from a very rare neurodegenerative disease.

A lifelong resident of Atlantic Beach, Miller was named a New York state Woman of Distinction in 2015, has volunteered in a pediatric residency-training program through Northwell Health (formerly North Shore/LIJ Healthcare Systems) for more than 20 years and has helped enhance the Life Skills program at Lawrence High by assisting with establishing a music program for those students, including Oliver, along with an adaptive physical education program.

“These days we could all use a hero in a position of leadership,” said Lawrence Superintendent Gary Schall, who has worked with Miller on bringing Oliver to the high school and the aforementioned programs. “Missy Miller is such a hero. She is someone we could all look up to for her inner fortitude, positive spirit, and her ability to overcome life's challenges.”

Miller said that having done what she has for her children gives her a different perspective. “One of the things I have learned as the parent of a special-needs child is you can do whatever you put your mind to and make it work,” she said.

Anthony Eramo, of Long Beach, is the Democratic candidate for the 20th AD. Jeff Toback, also a Long Beach resident, and a former county legislator said he is running for the Democratic nomination. Election Day is Nov. 8.

The district consists of Cedarhurst, Hewlett, Inwood, Lawrence, Woodmere, Atlantic Beach, Long Beach, Lido Beach, Oceanside, Island Park, Point Lookout and portions of East Rockaway.