Friday, October 16, 2026
Former State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin is looking forward to her rematch with the incumbent, Brian Curran. After she lost the race in 2022 by a slim 138-vote margin, she hopes to reclaim her seat in Albany.
Griffin has lived in Rockville Centre for more than 30 years, initially working in the financial industry before taking on roles as a lifestyle coach and corporate wellness educator. In 2016, she served as director of community outreach for former State Sen. Todd Kaminsky. Two years later, in 2018, she became the first Democrat to win the seat in more than 40 years. She served two terms before being unseated by Curran.
During her time in office, Griffin secured more than $8 million in funding from the state for local police and fire departments, schools, libraries, veterans’ halls, and non-profit organizations in her district. If elected, she hopes to continue her work as an advocate for education, mental health initiatives, reproductive rights, and local law enforcement.
Foundation aid, one of the largest sources of funding for public school districts, will likely be a major concern for Nassau County residents following Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2024-25 executive budget proposal, which, if it were approved, would have reduced the anticipated aid increase by more than $400 million statewide, leaving schools to face more than $23 million in proposed cuts.
“When the governor is delivering the State of the State and putting out a budget, to me, that is not the time to say ‘We’re going to reimagine foundation aid,’” Griffin said during a Herald roundtable discussion. Instead, she emphasized an idea for a more collaborative approach between state lawmakers, the governor’s staff and various stakeholders, meeting before the legislative session begins in January to discuss foundation aid.
Griffin also championed the establishment of health and wellness centers within school districts in Baldwin and Freeport, which provide support for both physical and mental well-being.
“It’s so helpful for students and families,” she said. “With so many working families it makes it more difficult … I think in today’s world, kids can get lost in the shuffle.”
In regard to public safety and criminal justice, the GOP has been very critical of bail reform — a state law passed in 2019 ending the use of cash bail for misdemeanors and minor offenses. Republicans criticize the law, arguing that it has created a “revolving door” for the convicted. Griffiin challenged this narrative for weaponizing criminal justice reform, and said she remains committed to ensuring equality in the legal system.
“First of all, I find that much of what the GOP says on this issue is not even true,” she said. “That’s not saying we don’t need to look at things and make sure we have the safest communities possible. But there’s a lot of rhetoric behind this.” Griffin said she has worked closely with police unions and the District Attorneys Association on a series of revisions to make sure the law appropriately categorizes non-violent offenses. She also played a big role in the Red Flag Gun Law, which aims to prevent individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others from obtaining firearms, and the “teacher gun law,” ensuring that educators would never be compelled to carry weapons in schools.
She is a staunch supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, which she previously co-sponsored and voted for in 2022. She emphasized that it not only affirms fundamental rights, but also provides legal protection against discrimination of marginalized communities.
Griffin said her commitment to reproductive rights is evident in her support for the state’s codification of Roe v. Wade in 2019.
“It is possible that (Donald) Trump could be our new president, and if he invokes the Comstock Act, which could make anything used for abortion — equipment, medicine, any of it — banned across our country,” Griffin said. She said she is concerned about how restrictions on reproductive health could jeopardize women’s health and wellbeing.
Regarding housing, she said that while there is a great need, it is also something that needs to be addressed strategically, providing suburban municipalities the ability to weigh in. Griffin believes we can build a better future for Nassau County by fostering collaboration and addressing disparities.
