With election over, Suffolk County lawmakers eye who will lead legislative chamber

The Republican-controlled Suffolk County Legislature will soon begin the process of selecting a successor to Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey, whose term concludes at the end of December.

Republicans maintained their majority, 11-7, after Tuesday’s election, despite losing one seat in the 1st Legislative District. That allows the GOP caucus to nominate a member to be presiding officer when the new board takes over in January and holds an election at its organizational meeting. The presiding officer, the top legislative position in the county, holds power to sway the direction of the governing body, while managing day-to-day operations and overseeing meetings. The presiding officer serves a one-year term.

But the position also involves "dealing with a lot of different personalities or fractions," said Deputy Presiding Officer Steven Flotteron (R-Brightwaters). McCaffrey, as a union leader, "had the temperament for that," he said.

McCaffrey, of Lindenhurst, could not seek reelection this year after hitting the 12-year term limit. Village of Lindenhurst Deputy Mayor RJ Renna, a Republican, won an uncontested seat Tuesday to replace him in the 14th District, which covers areas of Lindenhurst and Babylon Village.

McCaffrey's departure leaves no clear-cut successor to become the 21st presiding officer of the governing body, according to interviews with lawmakers.

With the general election still fresh and a vote likely next month, Flotteron, who won reelection Tuesday, said there’s been "zero discussions" yet about choosing the next presiding officer. He said returning legislators also need to get to know the "new personalities" joining them.

Republican Salvatore Formica, a former NYPD detective, won the race in the 13th District to replace outgoing Legis. Robert Trotta (R-Fort Salonga), who also is term-limited.

Suffolk GOP chairman Jesse Garcia said the caucus "will reach its own consensus" on choosing a presiding officer.

"They typically will speak with me on that issue," he said. "I think they’ll find the leadership team that they want to fall behind."

Flotteron said he would like to continue in the deputy role, where he has led the county’s Budget & Finance Committee, but would be open to the possibility of presiding officer if that was the choice of caucus leadership.

Flotteron said he also has interest in county comptroller, a position that will be up for election in 2026. Current Republican Comptroller John M. Kennedy Jr. will hit his term limit at the end of his current term.

Legis. Trish Bergin (R-East Islip), who won reelection, said it’s unclear at this point who will emerge as presiding officer.

"Presiding officer will be a decision made among my Republican and Democratic colleagues," she said. "If I’m the one everyone decides to select, I would be honored to serve in that capacity."

Legis. Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), the minority leader, said he hopes to see someone in the role who is both "open-minded" and "willing to work in a bipartisan fashion to get things done."

Flotteron said it’s beneficial when the minority party is on board with the selection, as was the case with McCaffrey’s unanimous election.

Richberg said he expects discussion around specific roles for 2026 to begin in earnest after the November general meeting. A caucus typically votes in December to select its presiding officer.

Legis. Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville), who was first elected in 2019, and Legis. James Mazzarella (R-Moriches), who was first elected in 2021, could be leading candidates. Other returning Republican legislators include Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport), Legis. Nick Caracappa (C-Selden) and Legis. Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point). They will be joined by freshmen legislators Renna and Formica.

The presiding officer position comes with higher pay compared with other legislators. In 2024, the presiding officer earned $136,078, the deputy presiding officer earned $123,705 and most of the remaining legislators earned $111,333, according to payroll records.

McCaffrey became the first Republican presiding officer in 16 years when he was elected in 2022.

Democrat William J. Lindsay served as presiding officer from 2006 until he died in 2013. He was succeeded briefly by Democrat Wayne Horsley, who resigned after 72 days on the job to accept a new state position, according to Newsday archives.

Democrat DuWayne Gregory, the first Black presiding officer, was elected to the role in 2014. He resigned from the legislature in January 2020 and was succeeded by Rob Calarco, who was the last Democrat to hold the post until the GOP gained its majority.

By Joe Werkmeister

joe.werkmeister@newsday.com

Joe Werkmeister joined Newsday in 2022 and covers Suffolk County government and politics. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and previously worked as the editor of two North Fork community newspapers.

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