State Senate District 7 candidate Brad Schwartz said he has been focused on his Long Island constituents during his first three months of campaign fundraising.
Schwartz, of Port Washington, who said he began fundraising shortly after launching his website in October before he had a campaign manager or staff, raised $115,171 in contributions and $8,000 in miscellaneous receipts since September, according to the state Board of Elections.
District 7 incumbent Elaine Phillips (R-Flower Hill) raised $74,513, all through contributions, during the same period.
During that time, Schwartz spent $17,413, bringing his balance down to $105,758, and Phillips spent $52,426, dropping her balance by a few thousand dollars to $70,081.
“I began at the grassroots by reaching out to family, friends and community networks,” Schwartz said. “My message began to spread. People held events for my campaign at their homes where I had the opportunity to meet their circle of family and friends – who in turn, would offer to host another event. One gathering led to another, and momentum continued to grow.”
Schwartz, an East Hills native who has worked in television production, said most of his fundraising events were hosted by his constituents, including his friends and family.
While Phillips got four $5,000 contributions from the Suffolk County Association of Municipal Employees, Old Westbury Mayor Fred J. Carillo, Michael Kerr of Woodsburgh and NYS Trooper Pack in Albany, Schwartz’s highest donors were $11,000 each from Michael Schwartz of Little Neck and Casing Associated Inc. in the Bronx followed by Roslyn resident Judy Schwartz’ $9,000 contribution and $6,000 from DCW Casing LLC in Mount Vernon.
“In the past, and is still typical, most candidates get call lists from elected officials and cold-call strangers. I did not do that,” Schwartz said. “I prefer the intimacy of meet and greets since that is the best part of running — you meet so many amazing people. The element of personal connection, hearing the thoughts and concerns of others first-hand, I believe is integral.”
Schwartz, who is running as a Democrat, has yet to be endorsed by Nassau County Democratic Committee Chairman Jay Jacobs, who so far has not commented on the race.
Attempts to reach Jacobs were unavailing.
