Trustee Dave Weber selected to run for 12th Assembly seat as Keith Brown steps aside

Northport Village Trustee Dave Weber has been selected to run for the 12th New York State Assembly District seat on the Republican ticket.

On Friday, February 13, the Suffolk County Republican Committee chose Weber as its candidate for the district. Earlier that day, Assemblyman Keith Brown, who has represented the 12th Assembly District since 2021, announced on Facebook that he would not run for a fourth term. 

In his public statement, Brown called the decision difficult but said the timing felt right. “I am truly humbled. It has truly been an incredible honor, and I have loved serving the community where I grew up in the New York State Legislature,” he said. The 12th district includes portions of the Town of Huntington, including Northport, East Northport, Eaton’s Neck, Centerport and Huntington Bay.

Brown highlighted several accomplishments from his time in office, including his work on mental health and substance use policy, school mentoring programs and legislation he sponsored.

He also pointed to the passage of his cell phone ban in schools, property tax relief for widows and widowers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, and new policies for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use issues, among other measures.

Weber, who has served as a Northport Village trustee since 2020, said continuity will be a priority if elected.

“I can say this with confidence: ensuring a smooth transition from Keith to me is critically important for Northport,” Weber told the Journal today. “Keith and I are closely aligned on key issues – particularly environmental protection, mental health, and substance use disorder policy – which means I will be able to step in on day one fully prepared and ready to lead, as well as finishing where he left off.”

Weber was reelected to a four-year trustee term in March 2024. He was in the running for Northport Village Mayor until earlier this month, when he announced he would end his campaign.

On the Democratic side, Northport native Craig Herskowitz is running for the 12th Assembly District seat. Herskowitz is an attorney and former administrative law judge who has worked in federal and state government roles, including positions with the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice. He lost his 2025 race against Stephanie Bontempi for Suffolk County Legislator by fewer than 400 votes. In 2024, he was the Democratic candidate for New York State Senate in District 2.

The general election will take place in November.