Peter Zarcone seeks Democratic nod for 5th District Assembly race

Local labor leader Peter Zarcone has become a Democratic contender to run in the April 24 special election for the 5th District Assembly vacancy left by Republican Al Graf, who became a District Court judge Jan. 1.

Zarcone, 59, of Holtsville, is a member of the executive board of Laborers Local 66, which has 1,000 members in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Zarcone also is a board member of the Suffolk Industrial Development Agency, a post he’s held for 12 years.

Zarcone has spoken with Suffolk Democratic chairman Rich Schaffer, who said two others also have expressed interest in the race.

Republicans are eyeing Doug Smith of Holbrook, who worked as Graf’s aide for seven years and already has raised $25,000 for the Assembly campaign.