Suffolk County Legislator Jason A. Richberg was sworn in to serve his second term as legislator of Suffolk’s 15th district at the legislature’s organizational meeting on Monday, Jan. 3. Leg. Richberg was also selected by his colleagues in the Democratic Caucus to serve as the legislature’s Minority Leader.
“I am incredibly humbled to be selected by my peers to lead our caucus,” said Legislator Richberg. “This is a new time for a legislature that has had a democratic majority for nearly two decades. If we want to keep the county on the right track we as a caucus need to focus on holding our colleagues across the aisle accountable to the needs of the public, while still building bridges and finding common ground. I’d like to thank my fellow legislators for entrusting me with this incredibly important role, I will do everything I can to live up to the title.”
“During his time with the Legislature, Jason Richberg has proven himself to be an attentive representative passionate about improving his community and bettering the lives of his constituents,” said Legislator Kara Hahn. “The qualities that have made him such an effective Legislator will serve the Democratic minority as we navigate working with our Republican and Conservative colleagues to strengthen Suffolk County while staying true to the committed principles that unify us as a caucus.”
“I offer my congratulations to Legislator Richberg on being selected as the Democratic Caucus’s Minority Leader,” said Legislator Samuel Gonzalez. “Legislator Richberg brings a voice of reason and a keen ability to facilitate cooperation and compromise. He will be a true asset as the legislature’s new Minority Leader.”
“I was happy to support Legislator Richberg for Minority Leader,” said Legislator Al Krupski. “Having worked with him for several years, I know he has the temperament, and as a young person, he may have a different perspective. This, coupled with his experience in government, most recently as the Clerk of the Legislature, gives him the skills necessary to lead our caucus.”
“County Legislator Richberg is an outstanding public servant. We have watched his career over time and he is more than ready to lead,” said NAACP Long Island Regional Director Tracey Edwards. “We are all looking forward to working with him on behalf of all Suffolk County residents.”
Legislator Richberg was first elected to represent the 15th Legislative District on March 10, 2020. The 15th Legislative District encompasses Amityville Village, North Amityville, Wyandanch, Wheatley Heights, Copiague, East Farmingdale and portions of North Lindenhurst, North Babylon, and West Babylon.
A native Long Islander, Jason Richberg began his career in government in 2010, when he was named Chief of Staff to Suffolk County Legislator DuWayne Gregory. He has since served as both Deputy Clerk and Clerk of the Suffolk County Legislature. Richberg graduated from North Babylon High School in 2000 and holds a baccalaureate degree in Political Science from Wilberforce University, the first private historically black university in the nation. He currently lives in West Babylon with his wife and two sons.