State Assembly Member - District 23
Thomas P. Sullivan
Republican nominee and retired U.S. Army Reserve colonel from Breezy Point who served 30 years, with combat deployments to Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Where they stand
Public safety, bail and policing
Wants to restore qualified immunity for police officers and add 1,800 officers to the district's police force, saying fewer police means more crime and that qualified immunity keeps false accusations from costing officers their jobs and pensions. Blames no cash bail and the end of qualified immunity for harm to communities.
Cost of living and taxes
Wants to eliminate income tax for single filers earning up to $50,000 and joint filers earning up to $100,000, as one way to make life more affordable for working families.
Energy costs and climate rules
Supports developing renewable energy affordably and expanding nuclear power. Opposes the state climate law's mandates, which he calls aggressive and says impose unnecessary costs on ratepayers, and opposes gas stove bans and carbon taxes.
Background
Based in Breezy Point
He has more than 30 years of experience in finance and in helping manage his family's business, and has served on the Breezy Point Cooperative board. He ran for this seat against Stacey Pheffer Amato in 2022, losing by 15 votes, and in 2024, losing with 48.2% of the vote.
- Advanced unopposed when the June 23, 2026 Republican primary for Assembly District 23 was canceled
- On the Republican, Conservative and We The People lines in the Nov. 3, 2026 general election
- Served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1993 to 2023, retiring as a colonel, with combat tours in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan
- Deputy Commanding Officer of the 103D Expeditionary Sustainment Command, June 2021 to June 2023
- Received the Legion of Merit in June 2024
- Has served as commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
- Says he has more than 30 years of experience in finance and helping manage his family's business; described as a small business owner and financial consultant
- Served on the Breezy Point Cooperative Board of Directors and says he helped lead Breezy Point's rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy
- Said in 2022 that he served on a community board
- Says he was awarded the Soldier's Medal for Heroism
- Bachelor's degree (1993) and graduate degree (1996) from Mount Saint Mary's University; master's degree in military strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College (2018)
- Born in New York City and raised in Brooklyn, the son of a retired NYPD detective and a registered nurse
- Ran for State Senate District 15 against Joseph Addabbo in 2018 (35.8%) and 2020 (41.7%)
- Ran for Assembly District 23 against Stacey Pheffer Amato in 2022, losing by 15 votes after a recount and legal challenges, and in 2024, losing with 48.2% of the vote
Support
Bruce Blakeman
Nassau County Executive and Republican candidate for governor
Steve Chan
State senator
Joann Ariola
“I need a partner at the state level who will fight for our communities, advocate for the resources we need, and stand firm against policies that put our neighborhoods at risk. Tom Sullivan is that leader.”
— Joann Ariola, New York City Council member
National Federation of Independent Business
Organization
- SR
Superior Officers Association Retired (S.O.A.R.)
Organization
Money
$23K
raised
Top donors: Ursula Sullivan, Alida Genovese, Peter Castellana
Others running for State Assembly Member - District 23