2026 Candidate Interview | New York State Senate District 2
Democratic Party
Harjot Singh, the Democratic candidate challenging incumbent Senator Mario Mattera for New York State Senate District 2, joined Huntington Matters for a 2026 General Election Candidate Interview on October 17.
Singh, a Huntington resident, attorney and father of two children attending Half Hollow Hills schools, discussed his priorities for Albany, including housing affordability, economic development, public safety, insurance costs, education funding and environmental protection.
Huntington Matters asks candidates seeking the same office the same core questions about issues affecting Town of Huntington residents, with follow-up questions providing opportunities for more detailed discussion.
As Huntington Matters President June Margolin explains, “Our goal is to help Town of Huntington residents get to know your choices at the polls so you can vote with confidence for you and your family.”
▶️ WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW:
Keeping Young People and Jobs on Long Island
Singh identified the departure of young adults from Long Island as one of his greatest concerns, connecting the problem to housing costs and limited career opportunities.
“I’ll ask you to look at your kids and your grandkids and think, what jobs, what opportunities do they have on Long Island right now, which will keep them here after graduation?”
He proposed attracting semiconductor, technology and research-related industries, pointing to Stony Brook University, Brookhaven National Laboratory and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory as resources that could help support high-paying jobs.
Singh also argued that electing more Democrats from Long Island would strengthen the region’s influence over state funding decisions. He clarified remarks attributed to him by Senator Mattera during an earlier Huntington Matters interview, explaining that his criticism concerned Republican legislators’ limited influence within the Democratic-controlled State Senate.
Margolin noted that minority-party legislators can still advocate for funding and projects. Singh acknowledged their efforts but maintained that majority-party membership would provide greater access to budget negotiations.
▶️ Watch Singh discuss his background, economic development and representation in Albany — 1:34
Affordable Housing and Infrastructure
Singh supported incentives for builders to construct smaller, less expensive homes, tax incentives for first-time homebuyers and mixed-use development.
He emphasized preserving Long Island’s suburban character while expanding housing choices for young adults, working families and seniors.
“We have to realize that we have a real challenge. Our children, even our seniors. They need options.”
Singh also suggested exploring intergenerational housing developments that accommodate both seniors and younger residents. He identified expanded sewer infrastructure as essential to making additional housing possible.
▶️ Watch the discussion on affordable housing, development incentives and local communities — 9:32
Energy Costs and Homeowners and Automobile Insurance
To address rising utility bills, Singh proposed capping energy costs while balancing energy development with environmental protection. He discussed the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) natural gas pipeline and the importance of safeguarding Long Island’s water resources.
On homeowners insurance, Singh suggested examining state assistance to help keep insurance companies operating in coastal communities. He also raised the possibility of a public insurance option that would compete with private insurers.
For automobile insurance, he supported stronger penalties for fraud and measures to limit steep premium increases following accidents.
“Companies just can’t keep on increasing…the premium three times [after an incident].”
▶️ Watch Singh discuss energy costs, homeowners insurance and automobile premiums — 13:16
Public Safety, Bail Reform and Illegal Businesses
As an attorney practicing real estate, business and immigration law, Singh expressed concern about restrictions on judicial discretion under New York’s bail reform laws.
“One of the biggest mistakes that was done with bail reform was to reduce the role of a judge.”
He supported allowing judges to consider whether defendants pose a flight risk or danger to the community while protecting the rights of people who have not been convicted.
On discovery reform, Singh supported stronger witness confidentiality protections and judicial flexibility when prosecutors have legitimate reasons for delays in producing evidence.
He also called for tougher penalties against repeat offenders operating illegal vape shops, cannabis businesses and massage establishments, including financial penalties and possible jail time.
▶️ Watch Singh discuss bail reform, judicial discretion and public safety — 18:09
School Funding, Drug-Impaired Driving and Emerging Substances
Singh argued that Long Island school districts are not receiving their fair share of state education funding, placing greater pressure on local property taxpayers. He supported changes to the Foundation Aid formula and additional state resources for schools.
On drug-impaired driving, Singh called for improved testing technology and increased enforcement resources.
He also supported faster state action to identify and regulate emerging dangerous substances, including synthetic drugs.
When asked about a statewide ban on kratom, Singh acknowledged that he was not familiar enough with the substance to recommend a specific policy.
▶️ Watch the discussion on Foundation Aid, school funding and property taxes — 24:26
▶️ Watch Singh address drug-impaired driving, fentanyl and kratom — 25:44
Healthcare and Immigration Spending
Singh described rising healthcare costs as a major concern and expressed support for exploring the New York Health Act, a proposal for universal healthcare coverage in New York State.
“We have seen people going bankrupt because of health issues.”
Asked about state spending on emergency services for asylum seekers, Singh argued that immigration is primarily a federal responsibility and that Washington should reimburse New York for those expenses.
He defended providing emergency humanitarian assistance while criticizing the Biden administration’s handling of immigration and border enforcement.
▶️ Watch Singh discuss healthcare affordability and state spending on asylum seekers — 29:36
Voter ID, Fusion Voting and Election Reform
Singh opposed requiring voters to present identification at the polls, arguing that additional requirements could create barriers to exercising a fundamental right.
“I think we are looking for a solution for a problem that does not exist right now. We need to make voting easy.”
He supported continuing New York’s fusion voting system, which allows candidates to appear on multiple party ballot lines, while strengthening safeguards against abuse.
Discussing concerns about the 2025 Town of Huntington nomination process, Singh said candidates should at least know when their names are being placed on a ballot. He declined to propose specific changes while the circumstances remained under investigation.
▶️ Watch the discussion on voter identification, fusion voting and election safeguards — 33:01
Water Quality and Environmental Protection
Singh emphasized the importance of protecting Long Island’s groundwater, expanding sewer infrastructure and addressing aging coastal infrastructure.
“We don’t have to wait until Huntington is underwater before we start doing something about that.”
He called for additional state funding to address wastewater pollution, protect waterways and support infrastructure improvements needed for housing and environmental protection.
▶️ Watch Singh discuss sewer infrastructure, drinking water and environmental protection — 39:53
Hear the Candidates. Know Your Choices.
These highlights represent only part of the conversation. Huntington Matters encourages residents to watch the full interview to hear each question, the candidate’s complete response and any follow-up discussion.
As Huntington Matters President June Margolin reminds viewers:
“An informed community is a stronger community. Get to know your candidates, make your voice heard, and get out and vote!”
Candidate: Harjot Singh
Office Sought: New York State Senate, District 2
Ballot Lines: Democratic
Incumbent: No
Campaign Website: HarjotForNewYork.com
Facebook: Harjot for NY
Instagram: @harjotfornewyork
TikTok: @harjotfornewyork
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Early Voting: October 24 – November 1, 2026
General Election Information | Early Voting Information | Voter Information
Watch more Huntington Matters Candidate Interviews: HuntingtonMatters.com
About Huntington Matters Candidate Interviews
Huntington Matters has conducted candidate interviews since 2015 to help residents get to know their choices at the polls.
All candidates have been invited to participate in the 2026 General Election Candidate Interview series. If a candidate does not appear, they were unavailable or did not accept the invitation.
Huntington Matters does not endorse any political candidate or political party.
