John E. Brooks

Credit: James Escher

Brooks, 76, of Seaford, is a Democrat running on the Democratic line. He is a former state senator who represented the former 8th District, which stretched from Baldwin and Freeport to Wyandanch and Wheatley Heights.
His legislative record includes environmental protection, water infrastructure, property tax relief and veterans’ benefits. He is the former chairman of the Veterans Committee in the state Senate.
Brooks is a retired insurance executive and the former Nassau County director of risk management. He received a bachelor’s degree from the New York Institute of Technology.

Brooks said he believes property taxes are a central issue in the race and said he is running on his record of authoring tax-relief legislation and his continued advocacy for the STAR program.
He said public safety and environmental protection are two of his priorities and that he would work to advance initiatives similar to his work on the state Climate Act, which set targets for slashing greenhouse gas emissions, and move to clean energy. Brooks also said he will advance projects that protect Long Island’s shoreline.
Brooks said he plans to be a voice for reproductive rights, gun safety, affordable housing and, in particular, support for veterans.

Shannon R. Fredericks