Long-Serving State Senator Declines Reelection Bid

Longtime Republican lawmaker will not seek another term in New York's 7th Senate District.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:17am

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A serene, painterly image of a stately government building under warm, dramatic lighting, conveying a sense of transition and change in the political sphere.The impending departure of a long-serving state senator signals a shift in the political landscape of this suburban New York district.NYC Today

Longtime New York State Senator Jack Martins (R-Old Westbury) has decided not to run for reelection in 2026, Republican officials confirmed on Saturday. Martins had previously announced plans to seek another term, but reversed course and declined the party's nomination on the final day for candidates to withdraw from the race.

Why it matters

Martins' decision not to run again opens up a key Senate seat in a politically competitive region of Long Island, potentially shifting the balance of power in the state legislature. The 7th Senate District has been represented by Martins, a moderate Republican, for over a decade.

The details

Martins, who has served in the State Senate since 2011, cited unspecified personal reasons for his decision to step down at the end of his current term. Republican officials did not immediately provide further details on the factors behind Martins' withdrawal from the race.

  • Martins announced earlier this year that he would run for reelection.
  • On Friday, the final day for candidates to withdraw, Martins declined the Republican nomination.

The players

Jack Martins

A Republican who has represented New York's 7th Senate District since 2011.

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What’s next

The Nassau County Republican Committee will now need to select a new candidate to run for the 7th Senate District seat in the upcoming election.

The takeaway

Martins' decision not to seek reelection opens up a competitive state Senate seat in a politically divided region, potentially shifting the balance of power in Albany.