Thursday, October 1, 2026
David McDonough, the longtime state lawmaker representing the 14th Assembly District, will not run for re-election this fall, according to a report by Newsday and an announcement from local Republican leaders.
McDonough, 88, has represented parts of Nassau County for 24 years, first winning a special election in 2002. His decision not to seek another term came about a week after Newsday reported that the Merrick Republican had not appeared in Albany in over two years and had voted on 10 out of the more than 100 votes in that chamber through Feb. 5 this year.
The Nassau Republican Committee announced that it would support Shannon Fredericks, a 29-year-old State Senate staffer and regional coordinator for Senate Republicans in Nassau County, in her campaign for McDonough’s seat. Fredericks, of Seaford, announced her candidacy on Feb. 21.
“I hope to go to Albany and help make New York more affordable, restore public safety and better the quality of life,” she wrote. “I will be a strong advocate for my constituents and a proponent of common sense policies.”
McDonough has represented the 14th District — a longtime GOP stronghold that includes parts of Bellmore, Wantagh and the Jones Beach area — since 2002. During his tenure, he built a reputation locally for constituent services and community outreach. His district office regularly organized drives to collecting toys, coats, school supplies and pet food for residents in need, along with relief donations for communities impacted by major storms.
In Albany, McDonough served on several committees whose work affected Nassau County, and frequently highlighted bipartisan work on legislation. He supported efforts to expand Holocaust education requirements in schools, and worked with colleagues to strengthen laws requiring private schools to report incidents of sexual assault and abuse.
Joseph Cairo, the Nassau County GOP chairman, described McDonough as an “an effective advocate” for his constituents who, Cairo said, “delivered Long Island its fair share of school aid, and he has fought against the dangerous cashless bail law.”
McDonough also championed public-safety initiatives, working with local officials and the Nassau County Police Department to secure funding for law enforcement programs and traffic-safety measures.
State Sen. Steve Rhoads, who represents the 5th Senate District, praised McDonough’s decades of service and their long working relationship.
“It has been an honor to work alongside Dave, first during my time as a County Legislator and now as a State Senator,” Rhoads wrote in a statement to the Herald. “He’s a friend and mentor who consistently shows the very best of public service.”
Rhoads added that McDonough brought “a deep sense of duty and integrity” to his work, citing his bipartisan approach and his focus on transportation, local businesses and protecting the South Shore’s quality of life. Rhoads also highlighted McDonough’s community involvement beyond Albany, organizing coat, school supply, toy, food and blood drives and supporting libraries, schools and other neighborhood institutions.
“Dave McDonough’s legacy — not just as our Assemblyman for 24 years, but in life — is defined by service, compassion and action,” Rhoads added. “Our communities are stronger and better because of his steady, principled leadership.”
County Legislator Tom McKevitt, a former colleague of McDonough’s in the Assembly, said, “I had the privilege of serving alongside Dave in the Assembly for 12 years, and saw first-hand his dedication and professionalism. I wish him all the very best in the future.”
If elected, Fredericks would represent a generational shift for the district, replacing the state’s oldest legislator with one of the youngest members of Long Island’s delegation.
