Monday, November 10, 2025
Democratic leaders and local elected officials rallied outside the Nassau County Board of Elections on Oct. 3 to condemn what they called a Republican effort to “silence voters” by keeping the name of missing candidate Petros Krommidas on the November ballot — a decision a county judge upheld.
The dispute leaves the 4th Legislative District race in legal limbo and has raised questions about how the county will finalize ballots before the election.
“We shouldn’t have to be here today,” said Democratic County Supervisor nominee Joseph Scianablo. “They’d rather have a selection and not an election,” he said.
Krommidas — who has been missing since April 23 — will remain listed as the Democratic candidate for the 4th Legislative District in November. The county Democratic committee earlier filed a certificate of substitution seeking to place James Hodge on the ballot in Krommidas’s place; that substitution was challenged in court by two Oceanside voters, and the challenge prevailed for now.
Democratic representatives called the lawsuit and the decision to keep Krommidas on the ballot politically motivated and insensitive to the Krommidas family’s loss. James Hodge, the would-be substitute, urged voters to pray for this family.
"I was honored to be the person selected to continue what Petros started, a great young man, a great son, a great co-worker and just a great person,” Hodge said. “They didn't have to bring this lawsuit 50-some odd days before this election. They didn't want to give voters a choice."
County executive nominee Seth Koslow framed the issue as one of decency and voter choice. He said Democrats had moved to substitute a new candidate “to take one thing off the family’s plate” and to provide voters with a legitimate option on the ballot.
“The Republicans don’t believe in free elections,” Koslow said, calling the lawsuit “disgraceful” and “embarrassing.”
When asked about an appeal, event speakers said legal options were being reviewed by counsel.
“We are letting the legal system play out,” Koslow said.
Legislator Patrick Mullaney, the Republican incumbent in the District 4 race, offered condolences to the Krommidas family.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Petros Krommidas during this very difficult and uncertain time,” and he would not “engage in speculation regarding his situation.”
If Krommidas’s name remains on the ballot and he were to win, officials say the inability to sign an oath of office would trigger special procedures — possibly a vacancy to be filled or a special election — depending on legal and procedural steps that would follow any such outcome. Democrats say they prefer to avoid that painful scenario by having another candidate run in November.
Mullaney also emphasized that he is not a party to the legal proceedings and expressed trust in the courts and the Nassau Board of Elections to follow the law.
“In the meantime, I will continue my campaign for re-election and remain focused on addressing the needs and concerns of the residents I am privileged to represent,” his statement said. He added that he would “circle back on a new interview date.”
