State Sen. Kevin Thomas exits the race

New York state Senator Kevin Thomas announced on Feb. 29, that he will be withdrawing his bid for U.S. Congress.

Thomas first announced his campaign for Congress in August, which would require he primary against five candidates seeking the Democratic ticket to run against U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito for the 4th Congressional district in November.

“Today I am suspending my campaign for Congress,” Thomas said in a press release. “I am extremely grateful to my campaign team, community leaders, clergy, labor and contributors for their time and for believing in this campaign for change. It’s been incredible meeting Long Islanders of all background and hearing wha tmakes their neighborhoods special. I’ve particularly enjoyed sharing ideas about how we can make our communities stronger, safer, and more prosperous for everyone.”

Thomas, a Levittown resident, first announced his Congressional campaign in August, with hopes of being the candidate Democrats turn to flip U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito from his congressional seat.

This would have also required that Thomas run against five candidates — Laura Gillen, Dave Denenberg, Patricia Maher, Gian Jones and Lawrence Henry — in a primary on June 25.

Having dedicated the last 13 years of his life to public service, he said that he is proud of all that he has accomplished. He started his career in legal services, helping people pay off private student loans and credit card debt, when he decided to branch into politics.

Since then has served three terms as the state Senator in District 6, which currently encompasses Rockville Centre, Baldwin, Freeport, Uniondale, Hempstead, Lakeview, Roosevelt, Westbury, West Hempstead, Garden City, Carle Place and a portion of Oceanside.

“I entered politics because I wanted to help people and I’ve been able to deliver for my constituents as the State Senator that represents half of the 4th Congressional District,” Thomas said in his statement. “With the Democratic Majority in the state legislature, we have been able to fully fund our schools, stop tuition hikes at SUNY, cap property taxes, raise the minimum wage, pass common sense gun safety legislation and improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers.”

During his tenure in office he has worked to help provide funding for local school districts, the Nassau University Medical Center, infrastructural repairs, small businesses, and the efforts to clean up the contamination related to the Northrop Grumman plume.

“Although I am no longer running for Congress, my service to the people of Long Island is far from over,” Thomas said. “I am eager to put to use my experience, know-how and ability to bring people to strengthen Nassau County for this generation and the next.”

A campaign spokesman said that Sen. Thomas will be leaving office at the end of his term and will not be seeking re-election. Two democratic candidates — Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe and Assemblywoman Taylor Darling — have already announced their bids for the state Senate seat and plan on running in a primary on June 25.