Who we're endorsing: For New York State Assembly in Suffolk

It’s a new election cycle but a familiar story for the New York State Assembly: Democrats enjoy a huge majority and will continue to hold that edge after the ballots are counted.

What’s changed is that the Senate is now in Democratic hands, too. In the last session, that meant progressive measures blocked for years by a Republican-controlled Senate were finally passed by both houses. That largely was good. State residents had waited far too long for things like voting reforms and climate change legislation.

But sometimes those changes went too far.

When you make your selection this year for your Assembly representative, consider which candidate is willing to buck leadership to stand strong for Long Island. Red or blue, we share one island. Our representatives need to act like they understand that, too.

Enter your address here to see our choices to date for candidates running in your district.

Races to watch

Assembly District 2

Assembly races seldom feature two candidates as knowledgeable about their district as this one. Both have deep roots in the North Fork, and in regional governance. Laura Jens-Smith, a Laurel Democrat, is the former Riverhead Town supervisor and former president of the Mattituck-Cutchogue school board. Republican Jodi Giglio, of Baiting Hollow, has served 10 years on Riverhead's town board and owns a construction management company.

They have several policy differences. They most clearly diverge in their philosophy on dealing with an Assembly majority dominated by New York City Democrats. One has a more sensible, effective approach. For this reason and more, Newsday endorses Jens-Smith.

Assembly District 9

This unusually drawn district, one of the most gerrymandered on Long Island, has drawn two sharply contrasted candidates for the seat being vacated by Michael LiPetri.

Ann M. Brancato, a Democrat from Massapequa, has work experience in health care, human services, social work, job development and professional recruitment. Michael A. Durso, a Massapequa Park Republican, is a carpenter who supports an expansion of vocational programs to address a shortage of skilled labor.

The reality is that Durso is likely to win this race in a district that, as Brancato says, "is so red it lights up on Valentine's Day without anybody putting anything on."

Despite that, Newsday endorses Brancato for these reasons. And has this advice for Durso.

Our picks by district

Find out your district by searching here or by typing in your address here.

New York State Assembly, District 1 (South Fork, Shelter Island, southeast Brookhaven): Democrat Fred W. Thiele vs. Republican Heather C. Collins. Newsday endorses Thiele and here's why.

New York State Assembly, District 2 (North Fork, Riverhead, northeast Brookhaven): Democrat Laura M. Jens-Smith vs. Republican Jodi A. Gigilo. Newsday endorses Jens-Smith and here's why.

New York State Assembly, District 3 (much of south Brookhaven): Democrat Steven Polgar vs. Republican Joseph DeStefano. Newsday endorses DeStefano and here's why.

New York State Assembly, District 4 (much of northwest Brookhaven): Democrat Steven Englebright vs. Republican Michael S. Ross. Newsday endorses Englebright and here's why.

New York State Assembly, District 5 (northeast Islip, central-west Brookhaven): Democrat Alfred Ianacci vs. Republican Douglas M. Smith. Newsday endorses Smith and here's why.

New York State Assembly, District 6 (Brentwood, north Bay Shore, Central Islip): Democrat Philip R. Ramos vs. Republican Ryan S. Skelly. Newsday endorses Ramos and here's why.

New York State Assembly, District 7 (southeast Islip, East Patchogue): Democrat Francis T. Genco vs. Republican Jarett C. Gandolfo. Newsday endorses Gandolfo and here's why.

New York State Assembly, District 8 (Smithtown, parts of north Islip): Democrat Dylan G. Rice vs. Republican Michael J. Fitzpatrick. Newsday endorses Fitzpatrick and here's why.

New York State Assembly, District 9 (south Oyster Bay Town, Gilgo, southeast Babylon, southwest Islip): Democrat Ann M. Brancato vs. Republican Michael A. Durso. Newsday endorses Brancato and here's why.

New York State Assembly, District 10 (northwest Babylon, Elwood, north and west Huntington): Democrat Steve Stern vs. Republican Jamie R. Silvestri. Newsday endorses Stern and here's why.

New York State Assembly, District 11 (much of Babylon): Democrat Kimberly Jean-Pierre vs. Republican Eugene M. Murray. Newsday endorses Jean-Pierre and here's why.

Election reads and resources

• Early voting has started. Here is our take on how the process is going and answers to your questions.

• All of Newsday's 2020 endorsements: Find out the candidates Newsday's editorial board thinks best serve Long Island's needs this election season.

• Reminder for Suffolk residents: Turn over your ballot.

Stay tuned for our next special edition newsletter on our New York State Assembly endorsements for Nassau County's seats.