Marcellino: I’m running for re-election

Sen. Carl Marcellino said Tuesday he’s running for re-election, squelching scuttlebutt that he would retire.

“I am pleased to announce that I will be seeking re-election, in the fall, to represent the 5th Senate District on Long Island,” Marcellino, 73, (R-Syosset) wrote on Twitter. He has represented a district that covers parts of Nassau and Suffolk counties since 1995 and just recently took over as Education Committee chairman.

Last month, Suffolk County Water Authority chairman James Gaughran, a Democrat, said he was “leaning toward” running for the seat – prompting speculation among some Democrats that the incumbent might not run again.

The district has about 76,000 enrolled Democrats, 72,000 Republicans and 71,000 voters who are either enrolled in a minor party or no party at all.