Incumbent Legislators Run Unopposed in Suffolk County 12th & 13th Districts

The 12th and 13th Suffolk County Legislative Districts in New York are set for uncontested races as incumbent legislators Leslie Kennedy and Rob Trotta run unopposed for re-election.

The 12th district spans the southern section of the Town of Smithtown, including areas such as Smithtown, Nesconset, Hauppauge, the Village of the Branch, Lake Grove, and parts of St. James, Commack, Lake Ronkonkoma, and Centereach. According to official records, the district boasts 64 election districts, with approximately 49,617 registered voters and around 24,000 residential homes. With a predominantly uppermiddle-class demographic, 70% of residents report incomes exceeding $45,000, and 88% of registered voters are under 65. Moreover, 90% of adults in the district have completed high school, while 33% hold bachelor's degrees.

Incumbent Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy, hailing from Nesconset, is a lifelong Long Island resident raised in Commack. Her career has spanned public service and healthcare, including over 13 years as a legislative aide to Suffolk County Legislators Donald Blydenburgh and John Kennedy. Leslie Kennedy's commitment to her community led her to assume the role of Suffolk County Legislator in 2015, where she prioritized issues such as taxpayer protection, environmental preservation, and community safety. Before her government service, she worked as a registered nurse for over 30 years, with experience in hospitals, private services, business management, and rehabilitation facilities. Leslie has been honored with several awards for her community work, including recognition from the Suffolk County Police Hispanic Society, former New York State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, and the Great South Bay Republican Club.

Rob Trotta is running unopposed in the neighboring 13th district, which covers the Town of Smithtown and a portion of the Town of Huntington. Trotta, a lifelong district resident, graduated from Commack High School North in 1979 and received the Commack High School Alumni of Distinction award in 2016. His educational journey led him to C. W. Post College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Subsequently, he obtained a master's degree in Labor Management from Stony Brook University.

With 25 years of service in the Suffolk County Police Department and numerous accolades for his dedication, including "Cop of the Year" in 1993 and "Detective of the Year" in 2001, Trotta has also been an active member of local organizations. He has contributed significantly to the Kings Park Soccer Club, Kings Park Neighbors Association, Kings Park Civic Association, and the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation. Trotta played a crucial role in preventing the development of a substantial housing project on the former Kings Park State Hospital property, earning state support for its transfer to the New York State Office of Parks in 2006.

Trotta's legislative tenure, which began in 2014, emphasizes serving as a full-time legislator in a part-time role, enhancing governmental efficiency, and prioritizing taxpayer interests. His commitment to preserving open spaces within the district remains a top priority