Suffolk Republicans have chosen Mario Mattera as candidate for the State Senate 2nd District seat being vacated by John Flanagan, who announced he was retiring last week.
He will run against Democrat Mike Siderakis of Setauket, a retired state trooper.
Suffolk County Republican Chairman Jesse Garcia announced Mattera’s selection, saying, “During these difficult times, and with the challenging economic climate we will face in the coming years in New York State, Mario Mattera is the best person to represent our families, and be the voice for the working men and women who will rebuild our state.”
Smithtown Town Republican Chairman Bill Ellis and Huntington Town Republican Chairwoman Toni Tepe supported his designation.
Mattera is a union local official and a member of the Suffolk County Water Authority board.
“I am humbled and honored to be selected to represent the families of my community in the State Senate,” said Mattera, a resident of St. James. “I’ve dedicated my life to ensuring that our workforce is protected and well equipped, and have grown increasingly frustrated and angry as I see our healthcare workers thrown into an impossible situation without the basic tools they need to do their jobs or protect themselves and their families. Years of misguided priorities and misspent funds have contributed greatly to the crisis we see today, and I can’t wait to be elected to be a voice in the legislature for our vulnerable workforce.”
“Mario Mattera will bring a common sense voice to the state legislature for our community. From opposing bail reform that has let criminals loose into our community during this unprecedented health and safety crisis to fighting for public dollars to be spent where they should be, Mario will be a voice for Long Island families,” Tepe said.
“Mario Materra has dedicated his career to fighting on behalf of working men and women all across Long Island,” said Flanagan. “I know Mario will tirelessly advocate to ensure our first-responders and healthcare workers have the resources they need to protect the public during this health crisis. In addition, Mario will fight back against one party control in Albany, and will be a driving force to help move our economy in the right direction. I am proud to endorse Mario Materra to represent the people of the Second Senate District.”
Garcia added that Mattera will also appear as the candidate of the Conservative and Independence parties for the Second Senatorial District.