Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming announced Thursday that she will not seek re-election to the Second Legislative District this year, and that she is endorsing Ann Welker of the Southampton Town Trustees to succeed her in office on the Democratic ticket.
Ms. Fleming was first elected to her county post in 2015, having been a Southampton Town councilwoman previously. She won re-election in Suffolk three times and ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2022. She would not have been term-limited this year; county legislators are restricted to six two-year terms in office.
Ms. Fleming said in the announcement that she feels "it's time to move on to new challenges and make way for fresh perspectives." She said she intends to pursue opportunities in the private sector and spend more time with her family.
"I am delighted to now have the chance to pass the baton" to Ms. Welker, Ms. Fleming stated. "In making this transition, I reflect with deep gratitude on the many connections I have made over the years -- all the advocates throughout our communities who strive every day to make the world a better place. . . . I know that Ann Welker is capable of continuing the fight with all of you. She is smart and committed and has an impressive record of delivering for Southampton families."
In 2017, Ms. Welker became the first woman elected trustee in Southampton Town since that body was formed in 1686. Trustees each represent certain parts of town; Ms. Welker's region covers much of the eastern part of the township, including Water Mill, Bridgehampton, Noyac, Sag Harbor, and Sagaponack.
"I'm proud of my record of maintaining and protecting water quality, preserving public access to the water, and working with the Town Board on coastal related issues," Ms. Welker said in a joint announcement with Ms. Fleming. "I'm excited to take that experience to the Suffolk County Legislature to continue fighting for the residents of the South Fork."
As town and county party committees form their tickets for the November 2023 ballot, Ms. Welker is the latest among a series of women who are stepping up to run for higher offices.
In East Hampton Town, where Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc is not seeking re-election, Councilwoman Kathee Burke-Gonzalez is running for supervisor on the Democratic ticket and Gretta Leon is running on the Republican ticket.
In Southampton Town, where Jay Schneiderman is term-limited as supervisor, the Democratic Committee has selected Westhampton Beach Mayor Maria Moore as its supervisor candidate, while The Southampton Press has reported that current Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara will run for supervisor on the Republican line.
