In 25 days, Kim Keiserman, a Democratic candidate running for the state Senate, raised more than $500,000 after receiving the maximum amount of the state’s campaign matching funds.
“I am truly heartened by the overwhelming support I have received from residents throughout the 7th State Senate District,” Keiserman said. “With $40,128 in matching eligible contributions from nearly 300 in-district supporters, numerous other donations, and unlocked state matching funds, our campaign has over half a million dollars available and is ready to make our message clear: Long Islanders deserve a fighter for our rights, community safety, affordability and the environment.”
The Democratic Party is screening several contenders for the North Shore seat, Newsday reported.
The Public Campaign Finance Program matches small-dollar contributions during an election cycle that amount to a total between $5 and $250.
Funds for state legislative positions fall within a tiered system, with the first $50 contributed to the campaign matched at a 12:1 ratio. From there the matching dollar amount per dollar drops, with the next $100 matched at a 9:1 ratio and then the next $100 matched at an 8:1 ratio.
These funds can only be spent on campaign expenditures.
Her campaign reported it received the maximum amount for a state Senate candidate, which tops out at $375,000.
Keiserman, a Port Washington resident who serves on the North Hempstead Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, attributed the funds raised to about 300 in-district supporters, donations and state matching funds.
Keiserman’s raised funds exceedmthat of fellow Democratic candidate Josh Lafaxan, who reported $432,375 raised for his campaign thus far.
Keiserman works as an education consultant and is the chairwoman of the Baxter Estates Planning Board. She also is co-president of the Baxter’s Pond Foundation and president of the Port Washington Democratic Club.
She plans to advocate for increased public school funding, sensible gun policies and combatting climate change to “create a future that reflects shared aspirations and ensures a fair, inclusive, and prosperous Long Island for all,” her campaign said.
Keiserman is one of many who have been recently screened by the party for the seat, according to Newsday.
Former Nassau County Legislator Lafazan; Great Neck Library President Rory Lancman, a former state Assembly member in Queens; and Zak Malamed, an activist from Great Neck, have also been screened for the seat, according to Newsday.
The district, which includes much of the North Shore and the Town of Oyster Bay as far east as Woodbury, is currently represented by Republican Sen. Jack Martins, who flipped the district in 2022.
There are currently 63 state senators with Democrats holding a 42-21 advantage over Republicans. The only Democratic senator from Nassau County, the 6th Senate District’s Kevin Thomas of Levvittown, is running for the 4th Congressional District after being redistricted out of his Senate district and will not run for re-election.
The filing deadline for the state senate election is April 4.
The primary election for party nominees is June 25. The general election will then be held on Nov. 5.
