Nassau County’s 12th legislative district will hold a special election Nov. 6 in the wake of Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt’s (R-Massapequa) death according to a press release from Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano.
Schmitt, 62, who had served on the Legislature since it was established in 1995, suffered a heart attack while attending a meeting in Mangano’s office.
The vacant Massapequa seat upsets the balance of power in the legislature. While Republicans had held a 10-9 advantage in the chamber before Schmitt’s death, the upcoming election will determine the county’s majority party.
The election places both parties on a tight schedule.
Hempstead council member Tony Santino, speaking on behalf of the Nassau County GOP, said that parties have until Oct. 15 to formally nominate a candidate.
Santino declined to discuss specific candidates being considered by the Republicans.
“We’ll make an announcement when it’s official, probably on Friday,” he said.
Democrats may face an uphill climb in their efforts to capture the majority.
Schmitt won over 70 percent of the vote in his 2010 victory over Democratic challenger John Rennhack of North Massapequa.
The Nassau County Democrats could not be reached for comment.
Schmitt’s death on Oct. 3 drew statements of mourning and sympathy from both sides of the aisle.
“Nassau County has lost a dedicated public servant,” Mangano said in a statement. “[Nassau County] is a better place because of Peter’s leadership, commitment and compassion and he will be greatly missed.”
Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams (D) released a statement on behalf of the county Democrats expressing condolences and honoring Schmitt’s service to the county.
“Our entire caucus is shocked and saddened by the passing of Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt. He was an iconic leader of our Legislature since its inception in 1995,” Abrahams said. “Through his career spent in public service he has left an indelible mark on Nassau County. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
