New York State and Nassau County Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs has endorsed state Senate District 7 candidate Kim Keiserman, adding to the slew of endorsements the Port Washington resident has garnered in her election bid.
“Kim is a proven leader in our communities, and the unifying force we need to flip SD 7 in November,” Jacobs said in a press release. “She will be an invaluable asset to her constituents and will undoubtedly deliver tangible results for her district.”
Keiserman, a Democrat, said she was thankful for the endorsement from the party leader, taking the endorsement as a vote of confidence in her candidacy.
“Nassau Democrats have proven that when we come together, we have what it takes to win,” Keiserman said in a press release. “I am committed to fighting for the needs of District 7 residents and will provide the active representation they deserve in the State Senate. Our solutions-oriented campaign, driven by hope over fear, and unity over division, will pave the way to victory in November.”
Keiserman faces Brad Schwartz in the race to replace state Sen. Jack Martins – a Republican.
Schwartz, who ran in the 2018 race but dropped out before the primary against former state Sen. Anna Kaplan, is a former television editor and producer with a PhD in public policy.
The district, which includes much of the North Shore and the Town of Oyster Bay as far east as Woodbury, is currently represented by Martins, who flipped the district red in 2022.
Jacobs’ endorsement comes two weeks after former Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan suspended his campaign. Lafazan endorsed Keiserman when he announced his withdrawal from the race.
“I am going to do everything in my power to help Kim win this race and I look forward to hitting the campaign trail with her as we work to flip this seat in November,” Lafazan said.
Lafazan was ousted from his seat in the Nassau County Legislature in November when he was defeated by his Republican opponent Samantha Goetz.
Keiserman has also garnered endorsements from other local Democrats including state Assemblymember Gina Sillitti, former state Sen. Anna Kaplan, Democratic National Committeeman Robert Zimmerman and Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton.
Keiserman, who is an education consultant, serves as a commissioner for the North Hempstead Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and is the chairwoman of the Baxter Estates Planning Board.
She also is co-president of the Baxter’s Pond Foundation and president of the Port Washington Democratic Club.
She said she plans to advocate for increased public school funding, sensible gun policies and combatting climate change to “create a future that reflects shared aspirations and ensures a fair, inclusive, and prosperous Long Island for all,” her campaign said.
The filing deadline for the state Senate election is April 4.
The primary election for party nominees is June 25. The general election will then be held on Nov. 5.
“Kim will provide true representation in Albany for SD 7 and will always fight tirelessly for issues of the highest priority – increased affordability, public education, community safety, reproductive freedom, and environmental conservation,” Jacobs said. “She has my full support.”
