Update:State Sen. John Flanagan, who announced in March that he wouldn’t seek re-election, will step down June 28.
The Northport Republican will go to work for Northwell Health, the largest private employer in the state. Northwell said Flanagan would serve as regional “liaison with legislative officials and government regulatory agencies at the federal and local level.”
Mark Solazzo, Northwell’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, said: “John’s knowledge and political acumen will be critical to advancing the Eastern Region, especially as Northwell continues to formalize its regional operational model to achieve greater efficiency in delivering clinical services.”
“As I roamed the halls of the Capitol last week for the very last time, I marveled at the architecture of the building and reveled in its beauty and splendor, while contemplating the remarkable history of our great state. I was humbled knowing that I was walking in the footsteps of many great legislators from generations past, including my father, the late Assemblyman John Flanagan. I am forever grateful to my legislative colleagues, past and present, who helped guide my path and nurture my legislative career,” he said.
“I am a lifelong New Yorker, and never more proud of that fact than at this very moment. Despite unprecedented challenges over the last few months, Empire State residents have been profoundly resilient, and I am inspired by their fortitude and optimism. Their individual and collective perseverance will help move our state forward in the spirit of our state motto, ‘Excelsior’ (ever upward).”
Republican Mario Mattera and Democrat Mike Siderakis are competing in November to fill the State Senate District 2 seat.
Flanagan is currently the Senate’s minority leader, and previously served as majority leader until Democrats took control of the Senate after the 2018 election.
The second district covers all of Smithtown and parts of Brookhaven and Huntington.