John Brooks Officially Wins 8th Senate District Seat

With all of the votes officially counted, Democratic Challenger John Brooks has narrowly defeated incumbent Republican Michael Venditto to take the 8th Senate District seat.

In unofficial numbers after the election on Nov. 8, Brooks was up by 33 votes -- close enough for a recount. But after the recount, which included absentee and other paper ballots, Brooks was up by 258 votes. Venditto performed better in Nassau County, but Brooks outdid him in Suffolk.

With the votes tallied, Venditto conceded the race.

"The campaign is over and all of the votes have finally been tallied," Venditto said in a statement. "I would like to congratulate Senator-Elect John Brooks on his victory. I ask all residents of the 8th Senatorial District to join with me in supporting Senator-Elect Brooks during his upcoming term. Together we can make our great district even better."

For much of the race, Venditto was leading Brooks in polls. However, he was undone by corruption charges that were brought against his father, John Venditto, the Town of Oyster Bay supervisor. Democrats used the charges against the elder Venditto against his son.

Venditto was a one-term senator, who served a short term on the Nassau County Legislature before being elected to the state position.

"On a personal note, it has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve as your state senator for the past two years," Venditto said in his statement. "During my tenure, I have learned that the 8th Senatorial District is a very special place. While government does its part, our district is so special because of the people who live here. I am grateful for the opportunity that I was given and I look forward to what the future brings."

Brooks has been a volunteer fire fighter with the Seaford Fire Department for more than 45 years and remains an active member today. He served on the Seaford Board of Education for a number of years. After a long career in the insurance industry, Brooks was made the first Director of Risk Management for Nassau County, where he established risk management and safety programs, saving $84 million.

The 8th Senate District encompasses Freeport, Bellmore, Merrick, North Bellmore, North Merrick, Roosevelt, Seaford, Wantagh, East Massapequa, Amityville, and Copiague, and parts of Farmingdale, Baldwin, Massapequa, Hempstead and Wyandanch.