Former Representative Tim Bishop has endorsed Southampton Town Councilman Tommy John Schiavoni in his bid to represent the First District in the New York State Assembly.
“It is vital for our community to have a voice in the majority who can advocate for East End priorities like protecting clean water, getting our fair share of school aid, and supporting our local small businesses,” Mr. Bishop said in a release from Mr. Schiavoni’s campaign.
Suffolk County Legislator Ann Welker also endorsed Mr. Schiavoni, saying in the same release that his “commitment to clean water, renewable energy, and sustainable housing and businesses has remained steadfast since he was first elected to office.”
The councilman, a Democrat, had previously earned endorsements from his predecessor in the First District seat, Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., and from the New York State United Teachers union.
Hailing from North Haven, where he served on the village zoning board of appeals, Mr. Schiavoni was elected to the Southampton Town Board in 2017, after having served on the Sag Harbor School Board for several years. He was a social studies teacher at Center Moriches High School until 2018.
His Republican opponent in the November election is Stephen Kiely of Southold, the Shelter Island Town attorney and the Mattituck Park District attorney.