Campaign '16

Christopher McGrath to run against Todd Kaminsky for State Senate

Stage now set for battle over Skelos’s vacant seat on April 19

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Hewlett Harbor resident and Inwood native Christopher McGrath has been chosen by the Nassau County Republican Committee to run against Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach) for the vacant 9th District State Senate seat left open due to the corruption conviction of former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, a Republican from Rockville Centre.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo set the date of the special election on Friday and it will be April 19, the day of New York State’s presidential primary.

“He’s a great man who has been very successful and done a terrific job in the local community,” said Michael Watt, a spokesman for the Nassau GOP. “He has a keen appreciation for what it takes to really enjoy Long Island and will do everything he can to protect the suburban quality of life we’ve come to enjoy.”

McGrath is a partner and lead litigator specializing in personal injury for Garden City-based Sullivan, Papain, Block, McGrath & Cannavo. His work has been recognized multiple times by organizations in the legal field. He is also an adjunct professor at Hofstra University School of Law. McGrath is held in high regard in the Five Towns, especially for his work with Peninsula Kiwanis.

“No one has given back more to the community than Chris McGrath and that began long before this political campaign,” said Pete Sobel, vice president of the Inwood Civic Association. “ He will be great for the district and great for the Inwood community. He has risen to the top of his field, but he never forgot where he has come from.”

He will be running against Kaminsky, a former federal prosecutor who defeated Woodmere resident and Republican Avi Fertig in 2014 to succeed longtime 20th AD legislator Harvey Weisenberg. Since that time, Kaminsky has made a reputation for himself as a hardworking representative who attends many local events and holds open community forums for residents.

Several other possible candidates were discussed by the county GOP, including Assemblyman Brian Curran (R-Lynbrook), County Legislators Howard Kopel (R-Lawrence) and Denise Ford (R-Long Beach), Town of Hempstead Councilman Bruce Blakeman.