NY State Senator Kevin Thomas​ Suspends Congressional Campaign

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY — State Senator Kevin Thomas has suspended his campaign for the 4th Congressional District in New York, the Democrat from Levittown announced in a news release Thursday.

Thomas, who was elected to the state senate in 2017, joined a field of Democrats in July 2023 looking to ultimately defeat the incumbent, Republican Anthony D'Esposito.

"Today I am suspending my campaign for Congress," Thomas began in Thursday's statement. "I am extremely grateful to my campaign team, community leaders, clergy, labor and contributors for their time and for believing in this campaign for change."

Thomas continued, adding, in part: "I've been in some form of public service for the past 13 years. First eight years as a legal services attorney and the rest as a three-term state senator. I entered politics because I want to help people and I've been able to deliver for my constituents as the state senator that represents half of the 4th Congressional District."

Noting that with the democratic majority in the state legislature, officials have been able to "fully fund our schools, stop tuition hikes at SUNY, cap property taxes, raise the minimum wage, pass common-sense gun safety legislation, and improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers," Thomas added that "Democrats have been able to move Long Island forward because it is a special place, and it deserves better than the chaos of Anthony D'Esposito and Republicans in Congress."

Despite his departure from the election, Thomas wrote that his "service to the people of Long Island is far from over."

"I am eager to put to use my experience, know-how, and ability to bring people to strengthen Nassau County for this generation and the next," Thomas concluded. "Look out for what's coming next because I'm only getting started."

Thomas' victory over longtime incumbent Kemp Hannon made Thomas the first Indian-American New York state senator.

Among the other Democrats looking toward a 2024 primary is former Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen.