Denenberg Takes 19th LD

Democratic incumbent Dave Denenberg was reelected to a fifth term in the 19th Legislative District, but it was a victory that he called "bittersweet," as Democrats lost control of the County Legislature for the first time in 10 years. 

The veteran legislator, who beat Republican challenger Dr. Fred Jones with 68 percent of the vote, said, "The mood was jubilant at first because we knew right away we were winning two to one. Then it went from jubilant to concerned for other members of the party."

Denenberg expressed concerns about losing his role as chairman of the Planning, Development and Environment Committee, but said, "I'm going to continue to be as responsive and accessible as possible, and my district office will remain the same."

Denenberg is the only county legislator to maintain a district office. He uses his office in Bellmore to serve the 19th Legislative District, which includes Bellmore, North Bellmore, Merrick, and parts of Freeport, North Merrick and Wantagh.