Politics

Francis Becker to challenge Carolyn McCarthy

Lynbrook's county legislator announces run for Congress against incumbent

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In true red, white and blue fashion, Lynbrook resident and businessman Francis X. Becker Jr., Nassau County’s 6th District legislator, officially announced his run for the congressional seat in the 4th District now held by Democrat Carolyn McCarthy.

Becker held a press conference in front of his Earle Avenue business, Becker & Associates, on Monday. Friends, family and fellow Republicans gathered, waving balloons and American flags and chanting, “Franny! Franny!” as Becker, announced by Mayor Brian Curran and introduced by his brother, Hilary Becker, stepped to the lecturn.

“The leadership in Washington has failed us,” Becker said. “Obama, Pelosi and McCarthy either can’t or won’t solve the problems that are facing this country today. That’s why I am announcing my candidacy. I am a businessman and a financial planner. I am here to help create jobs and to restore the American dream. It’s time to do, time to act. It’s time to serve.”

Becker was the first representative elected to the 6th Legislative district and is serving his eighth consecutive term. The district includes Lynbrook, Malverne, North Lynbrook, most of Valley Stream and East Rockaway, south Rockville Centre and portions of North Valley Stream and Oceanside.

A graduate of Lynbrook High School, Becker attended Nassau Community College and Hofstra University, where he studied business finance. A certified financial planner, he is president of Becker & Associates Planning Services in Lynbrook.

He and his wife, Clementine, live with their family in the home of his grandfather, former U.S. Rep. Frank J. Becker. They have three grown daughters.

“This was not something that I was thinking of,” Becker said of the nomination, “but it was always in my heart to do this ... I couldn’t refuse. My wife has been wanting me to do this all along, so I have her support as well, which is wonderful.”

Becker said that he is willing to go to Washington to create an active plan “that will return prosperity to our country so that our young people may once again believe in the American dream.”

McCarthy, first elected in 1996, has announced that she is running for her seventh term as U.S. representative.

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