John E. Brooks for Assembly District 14
Former State Sen. John E. Brooks, of Seaford, is the Democratic candidate in this district. Credit: James Escher
Find out the candidates Newsday's editorial board has selected on your ballot: newsday.com/endorsements2026
The 14th District has had the same representative for 24 years. But with David G. McDonough's long-overdue retirement at 89, voters will have the choice between a familiar face — and a new one.
Seaford Democrat John E. Brooks spent six years in the State Senate until he lost a reelection bid in 2022 after redistricting substantially changed the makeup of his district. As a state senator, Brooks championed big changes to how property taxes are used to fund schools. His campaign for the Assembly revives that messaging.
Brooks, 76, notes that Seaford lacks commercial property, so 70% of its school district budget is funded by residential taxes. He suggests a system that would cap that figure at 50%, while recommending that the state do more "bulk purchasing" to save costs for smaller school districts. He says the state Education Department should start evaluating spending for what works and what doesn't from district to district, to strengthen efficiencies and cut waste.
Beyond that signature issue, Brooks is attentive to the district's flooding concerns and wants to find new ways to establish or incentivize housing that can accommodate multiple generations in one space.
Republican Shannon R. Fredericks, of Seaford, is familiar with the ways of Albany, having worked as a State Senate scheduler and GOP regional coordinator between the caucus' minority leader and Nassau County. Fredericks, 29, said she's "trying to bring a voice for the younger people," noting that many friends already have left the state. She supports income tax changes, first proposed by State Sen. Steven D. Rhoads, which would eliminate the state income tax for single filers earning $50,000 or less. And Fredericks said she wants to "fix the railroad," underscoring recent changes to ticket purchase processes that have caused problems particularly for senior riders. She's right to bring younger Long Islanders' concerns to the forefront, but she lacks specifics and new ideas.
Brooks, with his vast knowledge and experience, and his important and thoughtful proposals on school funding, would make a welcome return to Albany. Government, he said, must become "more efficient." He deserves another chance to help make that happen.
Newsday Opinion endorses Brooks.
ENDORSEMENTS ARE DETERMINED solely by the Newsday editorial board, a team of opinion journalists focused on issues of public policy and governance. Newsday’s news division has no role in this process.
