2026 Candidate Interview | New York State Assembly District 12
By Huntington Matters | October 12, 2026
Craig Herskowitz, the Democratic and Working Families Party candidate for New York State Assembly District 12, joined Huntington Matters for a 2026 General Election Candidate Interview.
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.”
Among the topics explored were Herskowitz’s expectations for securing state funding, his proposal to address rising homeowners and automobile insurance costs, and his views on election reform.
Watch the complete Craig Herskowitz interview:
Experience and State Funding
Born at Huntington Hospital and a Northport High School graduate, Herskowitz described more than 20 years of legal experience, including work involving the FBI, U.S. Department of Justice and New York Governor’s Office. He also served as a judge in Brooklyn and currently practices immigration law.
One of Herskowitz’s central arguments was that serving as a Democrat in the Assembly’s majority conference would allow him to secure significantly more state funding for the district than a Republican representative.
“I’ll be able to bring in hundreds of millions of dollars into the district,” Herskowitz stated.
He said he had commitments from Democratic leadership and identified schools, roads, water quality improvements and tax relief among his priorities.
▶️ Watch the discussion on state funding — 4:11
Affordability, Housing and Insurance
Herskowitz discussed the challenges facing young adults, working families and seniors struggling to afford housing on Long Island. He supported expanding sewer infrastructure to accommodate additional housing while emphasizing community involvement in development decisions.
Rising utility costs, renewable energy and the potential impact of data centers on electricity rates were also discussed.
On homeowners insurance, Herskowitz proposed exploring a state-supported public insurance option modeled on the New York State Insurance Fund’s workers’ compensation program. He suggested that additional competition could help reduce premiums and discussed applying a similar approach to automobile insurance.
▶️ Watch the discussion on insurance costs — 13:05
Public Safety and Law Enforcement
Drawing on his experience as a criminal defense attorney and former judge in Brooklyn, Herskowitz discussed New York’s bail reform laws, repeat offenders and judicial discretion. He supported considering additional judicial discretion when individuals may pose a danger to the community.
The interview also examined discovery laws and protections for people who report crimes or cooperate with authorities.
Questions about illegal vape shops, unlawful cannabis sales and illicit massage operations prompted discussion about enforcement, repeat violations and stronger financial penalties.
▶️ Watch the bail reform discussion — 18:30
▶️ Watch the illegal-business enforcement discussion — 24:35
Drug-impaired driving received particular attention, including legislation intended to strengthen enforcement against drivers impaired by cannabis and other drugs that has not advanced through the Legislature. Herskowitz discussed the need for improved methods of identifying drug impairment and expressed support for stronger penalties, including consideration of asset forfeiture in certain circumstances.
▶️ Watch the drug-impaired driving discussion — 29:30
The conversation also covered fentanyl, emerging dangerous substances and addiction treatment.
When asked about kratom, Herskowitz acknowledged that he was unfamiliar with the substance. He said he would want to examine available research before supporting an outright ban and discussed the possibility of regulation.
▶️ Watch the kratom discussion — 33:43
School Funding, Healthcare and Immigration
On education, Herskowitz questioned whether New York’s Foundation Aid formula adequately reflects Long Island’s costs. He argued that additional state education funding could help reduce pressure on local property taxpayers.
▶️ Watch the school funding discussion — 28:04
Herskowitz also expressed support for the proposed New York Health Act, which would establish a statewide single-payer healthcare system, discussing healthcare access and costs.
On immigration, an area of law in which he currently practices, Herskowitz acknowledged concerns about state spending on services for asylum seekers while criticizing aspects of federal immigration enforcement. The conversation included due process, detention practices and the financial impact on New York taxpayers.
▶️ Watch the immigration discussion — 37:09
Voter ID and Election Reform
When asked whether voters should be required to present identification at the polls, Herskowitz opposed a general voter ID requirement, expressing concern that it could create additional barriers to voting.
▶️ Watch the voter ID discussion — 42:17
The conversation then turned to fusion voting, which allows candidates to appear on multiple political party ballot lines.
When asked whether he would support eliminating fusion voting, despite appearing on both the Democratic and Working Families Party ballot lines himself, Herskowitz answered, “Yeah, I would eliminate it.”
The interview continued with an extended discussion of the Working Families Party nomination process during Huntington’s 2025 local elections, ballot-line disputes and changes to state election law. Herskowitz presented his perspective on those events.
▶️ Watch the fusion voting and election law discussion — 45:31
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: Craig Herskowitz
Office Sought: New York State Assembly District 12
Ballot Lines: Democratic; Working Families
Candidate Website: CraigforNewYork.com
Facebook: Craig for New York
Instagram: @craigfornewyork
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Early Voting: October 24 – November 1, 2026
General Election Information | Early Voting Information | Voter Information
Prefer watching on Facebook? Watch Craig Herskowitz’s complete interview on the Huntington Matters Facebook page.
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.
