Port Washington’s Kim Keiserman, a Democrat who serves on the North Hempstead Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, announced Tuesday that she is running for the 7th Senate District next year on the Democratic Party line. 

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. 

“Long Islanders deserve a seat at the table to make sure our voices are heard,” Keiserman said in a statement. “I am committed to ensuring that our district thrives by prioritizing great public schools, a healthy environment, women’s rights and sensible gun laws while also working to ensure that Long Island is a safe, affordable, welcoming community for all.” 

Keiserman, a Port Washington resident since 2001, 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.

Outgoing Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan, Great Neck Library President Rory Lancman, a former state Assemblymember in Queens, and Zak Malamed, an activist from Great Neck, have also been screened for the seat, according to Newsday. 

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. 

Keiserman lives in Port Washington with her husband, John, and two daughters. She has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the College of William & Mary.