Kaminsky won’t run for re-election

State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a veteran South Shore Democrat, announced Wednesday morning he will not seek re-election this fall.

Kaminsky, 42, is the second Democrat to announce plans not to run again in two days. On Tuesday, U.S. congresswoman Kathleen Rice said she will not seek re-election.

“After much thought and consideration, I have decided that I will not run for re-election, or for any office this fall,” Kaminsky said in an email to the media.

“It's has been an honor to represent the communities of the South Shore for the past seven years, but I believe that it is the best thing for my family to pursue a new path,” Kaminsky wrote.

In a telephone interview shortly after his announcement, Kaminsky said his defeat in the November election did not play any part in his decision not to seek re-election.

“You have to make decisions going forward,” Kaminsky said. “After 18 years to public service, seven in the state legislature, I am looking to private service.”

Kaminsky did not say what specific plans he had, but said he had “several very interesting conversations” about his future.

“I’ll always find a way to serve Long Beach,” he added.

Kaminky, who has held public office for 18 years, was soundly defeated this past fall in a race for Nassau County District Attorney, in a contest against Republican Ann Donnelly. Donnelly focused her campaign on the controversial bail reform law. Kaminsky was left scrambling to explain his position.

Kaminsky was a federal prosecutor at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of New York. He took on cases against former State Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada, Jr., Assemblyman Jimmy Meng and Congressman Michael Grimm. The cases ended in convictions.

He was elected to the State Senate in April 2016.

He is chairman of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, earning a reputation as a conservationist. He led the fight to regulate carcinogenic contaminants in Long Island’s water supply and passed legislation banning products containing these toxic substances.

He secured a multi-billion dollar investment in clean water infrastructure and received a perfect score from the New York League of Conservation Voters for his collaborative efforts “with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work on behalf of Long Islanders.” He also successfully passed legislation to ban toxic toys and mercury flooring in schools.

He also fought to improve Long Island's commuter rail system, securing billions in the state budget for improved LIRR service, and passed legislation mandating a forensic audit of the MTA.

Kaminsky is a Long Beach native and a regular at local community, civic and religious organization meetings.