New York State Assembly District 3

Current seat holder: Joe DeStefano.

Joshua Slaughter

Joshua Slaughter earned a high school diploma from Patchogue-Medford High School. Slaughter earned a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Albany in 2005. Slaughter's career experience includes working as a laborer.

Campaign site

“The son of a teacher and union truck driver, he shares our working family values and knows what it means to make ends meet on Long Island. His passion for public service led him to receive a bachelor’s degree in political science from SUNY Albany, where he gained valuable experience working in the New York State Assembly.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026))
“Fighting for good-paying jobs for all of us As a labor leader, I know first-hand the difference a stable, good-paying job can make in someone’s life. I partnered with public schools on Long Island to launch the first union high school pre-apprenticeship program in NY State, guaranteeing local youth a path into high-paying trades.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026))
“As a labor leader, I know first-hand the difference a stable, good-paying job can make in someone’s life. I partnered with public schools on Long Island to launch the first union high school pre-apprenticeship program in NY State, guaranteeing local youth a path into high-paying trades.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026))

Joseph DeStefano

Dedicated to making Central Brookhaven a better, safer place to live, Assemblyman Joe DeStefano has spent a lifetime answering the call to serve. From the front lines of fire and EMS response in Medford to leading public safety operations behind the scenes, Joe has built a record defined by steady leadership, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to the neighbors and communities he’s proud to call home. He has served for 30 years as a fire district Commissioner, having also held the positions of Fire Police Lieutenant, 2nd Lieutenant, Department Recording Secretary, Department Vice President, and Department President.

· Official legislative page · NY State Assembly Official Biography

Campaign site

“People are already paying too much for health insurance, prescriptions and basic care. Albany needs to be focused on lowering costs, not creating new ways to push them higher.” (Official legislative newsroom (nyassembly.gov))
“This is the kind of reform that actually makes sense. Bring care closer to people, reduce pressure on hospitals and make the system easier to use.” (Official legislative newsroom (nyassembly.gov))
“New Yorkers deserve a health care system that is easier to access, easier to afford and easier to navigate.” (Official legislative newsroom (nyassembly.gov))