| Jarett Gandolfo (born June 22, 1990) is an American politician serving as the Assistant Minority Leader Pro Tempore and a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 7th Assembly District since January 1, 2021. The district includes parts of Suffolk County, such as Bay Shore, Islip, Sayville, Patchogue, and surrounding communities.
Gandolfo was raised in West Islip, New York, in a blue-collar Italian-American family. His father worked for the Long Island Railroad and his mother was a hairdresser. He credits his upbringing for instilling a strong work ethic, the value of education, and the importance of family. Gandolfo began working at his grandfather's window treatment shop at a young age and held jobs as a supermarket cashier and warehouse delivery driver during high school and college.
He graduated from West Islip High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts in criminology and sociology (sometimes cited as criminal justice) from the University at Albany, SUNY, and obtained a Master of Public Administration (MPA) as well as a certificate in City Management from Villanova University.
Before his election to the Assembly, Gandolfo served as chief of staff to former Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino for over seven years. In this role, he worked closely with constituents, secured grants for local municipalities and nonprofits, and advocated for community initiatives.
When Garbarino was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Gandolfo ran for and won the Assembly seat, defeating Democratic nominee Francis T. Genco in 2020. He has since been re-elected and is running for another term in 2024.
Gandolfo has been a vocal critic of certain state policies, notably Governor Andrew Cuomo's COVID-19 emergency powers and curfews on restaurants and bars, which he argued were harmful to the local economy. He is an advocate for public safety, supporting law enforcement and calling for the repeal of bail reform laws. Gandolfo also prioritizes environmental protection, supporting clean water initiatives and open space preservation, and has worked to deliver funding for local infrastructure and community projects.
He currently serves on several Assembly committees, including Health, Higher Education, Insurance, Mental Health, and Racing and Wagering.
Gandolfo serves on the Board of Directors of the Islip Community Development Agency, which helps families buy homes, cleans up neighborhoods, and provides financial assistance to local nonprofits.
Jarett Gandolfo resides in Sayville, New York, with his wife Natalia, a local attorney, and their two sons, Lenny and Benjamin. He remains dedicated to improving the quality of life for his constituents and advancing policies that support local families, businesses, and public safety. |