Levenberg Announces Run For NY Assembly

OSSINING, NY — Ossining Town Supervisor Dana Levenberg, who once worked for Assemblywoman Sandra Galef in the 95th New York District, will seek the position from which Galef is retiring at the end of 2022.

Galef announced Monday she would be retiring after 30 years in the seat.

Levenberg served as Galef’s communications director and then chief of staff prior to being elected Ossining Town Supervisor in 2016 (She was re-elected in 2021.)

She expressed gratitude for the Assemblywoman’s work and example when she announced her candidacy Monday evening.

“Thank you, Sandy, for your incredible and dedicated service to our district for the past 29 years. As your constituent, I am grateful for your hard work on behalf of your communities to enact meaningful legislation, and for always being an incredible advocate for those you serve,” said Levenberg. “On a personal level, I am also extremely lucky to call you mentor, colleague, past boss, and friend. Your example has always inspired me to be a better public servant and community leader, to listen and respond thoughtfully.”

Levenberg spent almost eight years working in the State Assemblywoman’s office, overseeing communications, constituent services, the intern program, and general day-to-day operations before leaving to assume the role of Ossining Town Supervisor in January 2016.

Galef described her work in a letter to Patch in 2021.

Levenberg also served on the Ossining School Board for nine years.

She is a founding member of the Ossining Micro Fund and of Ossining for Refugees. She serves on a number of boards throughout the region, including that of Sustainable Westchester, the Westchester Municipal Planning Federation, the Westchester Municipal Officials Association, Historic Hudson River Towns, and the Sing Sing Prison Museum.

“I believe this record positions me well to strongly represent not just Ossining, but all the municipalities from Briarciff to Philipstown and everything in between - and beyond,” said Levenberg, acknowledging the current uncertainty around the final district lines.

State and federal legislative districts must be re-drawn every 10 years based on the Census, and those determinations are mired in politics. On Monday, members of the New York Senate and Assembly rejected competing maps from Democrats and Republicans on the state's independent redistricting commission. The commission will get another chance to agree; if they cannot, the lawmakers get a chance. The last time, in 2012, a judge appointed someone to draw the maps after lawmakers couldn't agree.

Levenberg said the most important issues facing the district today are climate change and resiliency; ensuring every child receives the quality education they need and deserve, even during a pandemic; and guaranteeing affordable housing as well as equitable access to needed resources such as healthcare and nutritious food.

“Dana understands state government, local government, and school districts from the inside,” said Ossining Town Democratic Committee Chairwoman Thomasina Laidley-Brown. “She tackles every issue with determination and intelligence. Dana’s proven success will make her an effective assemblywoman who cares about the people she serves.”

Levenberg is the second Democrat to throw her hat in the ring the day Galef announced her retirement. Former Peekskill Mayor Andre Rainey announced he will run for the seat. After serving a term on the Peekskill City Council, Rainey served two terms as mayor before declining to run again in 2021.