Jared S. Behr for Nassau Legislative District 16
Jared S. Behr, of Plainview, is the Democratic candidate in Nassau County Legislature District 16. Credit: James Escher
Find out the candidates Newsday's editorial board has selected on your ballot: newsday.com/endorsements2026
The 16th District includes Jericho, Plainview, Old Bethpage and parts of Woodbury and Farmingdale.
For nearly a decade, the 16th District has been ably represented by Democrat Arnold W. Drucker, the deputy minority leader. His retirement left an opening for two newcomers to Nassau County’s political landscape. Jared S. Behr's name may sound familiar; his family owns a children’s furniture store that has been a fixture in the county.
But Behr, a Plainview Democrat, has carved his own path, as a Suffolk County prosecutor, a past candidate for Oyster Bay Town supervisor, and owner of a small law firm.
Behr, who turns 42 next week, says he’d like to continue the legacy of Drucker and former Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs, who held the seat earlier. He promises to prioritize combating antisemitism, ensure full county staffing, especially for social services and children, and insist on more transparency on county spending. "I am somebody who will work with anybody," Behr said.
Plainview Republican Olivia G. Pfeifer, 22, a full-time college student, did not meet with the editorial board.
Newsday Opinion endorses Behr.
ENDORSEMENTS ARE DETERMINED solely by the Newsday editorial board, a team of opinion journalists focused on issues of public policy and governance. Newsday’s news division has no role in this process.
