Matt Capp is running for the New York State Senate with a campaign centered on lowering taxes, expanding housing, supporting public safety and improving educational opportunities, while presenting himself as a new voice for a district he believes is looking for a change in direction.
Capp, 29, a Rockville Centre resident, is challenging incumbent Democrat Siela Bynoe for the 6th District seat. He said his decision to run was partly inspired by his first government job as a legislative aide to former state Sen. Kemp Hannon, who represented the district for many years.
“This feels like a very full circle moment for me to have an opportunity to run for a seat that I previously worked for the legislator who held it,” Capp said.
Capp is the press secretary for the Town of Hempstead. He previously worked as communications director for former Congressman Anthony D’Esposito and held positions in the state Senate and Assembly.
On taxes, Capp said he supports Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman’s plan to eliminate state income taxes on the first $50,000 of income for single filers and $100,000 for joint filers, a proposal Capp said would provide relief to Long Island residents. He also said he would examine the state budget for potential spending reductions or limits on expansion.
“Trying to do more with less I think would be the overall plan,” he said.
Capp said housing affordability should be addressed by increasing the supply of housing while maintaining local control over zoning. He supports incentives for housing, particularly near public transportation, but said municipalities should have the final say on zoning decisions.
“I do believe that local control is important,” Capp said. “Townships and villages should have the final say in the zoning of their respective municipalities.”
He said increasing housing stock could help younger residents remain on Long Island while maintaining the suburban character of communities.
On public safety, Capp said he would rely on law enforcement agencies to identify the resources they need.
“I always believe in deferring to the law enforcement professionals, like what they need to be successful, tools that they need,” he said.
Capp also said he supports changes to the state’s school funding formula to ensure Long Island districts receive what he considers their fair share of state aid. He said his experience attending CUNY Baruch College shaped his support for affordable SUNY and CUNY education.
“I genuinely, genuinely believe that our CUNY and SUNY system needs to be attainable, affordable for middle class and working class people,” he said.
Capp also identified the Long Island Rail Road as an infrastructure priority, saying the state should invest in its system and improve reliability.
He said he has concerns about the state’s enacted medical aid-in-dying legislation, arguing that safeguards are important because of the potential for misuse.
If elected, Capp said he would bring a different perspective to Albany as a first-time candidate.
“I think they should vote for me because I present a new voice in Albany, and I will work every single day, 365 days a year, on the ground in the district and in Albany for the interest of the voters,” he said.
