Matera, Singh Clash on Senate Seat

State Sen. Mario Mattera and challenger Harjot Singh present conflicting strategies for the 2nd Senate District as the Nov. 3 election approaches. Mattera, the incumbent Republican, leans on his legislative track record and trade background. Singh, a Democratic challenger from Dix Hills, argues the district requires stronger representation within Albany’s Democratic majority to address rising costs.

Mattera has served in the state Senate for six years following a 45-year career with Plumbers Local 200. He spent 23 of those years as a business agent and served on the Suffolk County Water Authority board for seven years. He cites road improvements, downtown revitalization, and sewer expansion in Smithtown and Huntington as key accomplishments. “I am not a politician. I’m an elected official,” Mattera said, defining his representative approach.

Singh, an attorney who immigrated from India in 2004, frames his candidacy as a response to economic pressures. He operates legal practices in Hicksville and Richmond Hill, Queens. “I am not a career politician. I’m an ordinary citizen,” Singh said. He contends that his party alignment will help secure state funding. He identifies housing, insurance, grocery, and energy costs as the district’s most urgent issues.

The candidates diverge sharply on energy policy. Mattera, the ranking Republican on the Senate Energy Committee, advocates for natural gas infrastructure and local control over data centers. He supports electrifying the LIRR Port Jefferson Branch but opposes heavy reliance on wind, solar, and battery storage. Singh proposes a mixed energy future that includes renewables and potential nuclear power. He opposes locating data centers on Long Island due to water resource constraints and existing energy capacity limits.

Both candidates agree that infrastructure investment, specifically sewer improvements and LIRR electrification, is essential. Mattera argues that New York’s Democratic leadership has shortchanged Long Island by directing resources elsewhere. “The one-party rule is not working up in Albany,” he said. Singh counters that a suburban Democrat in the seat will better fight for local needs. “We need to send a suburban Democrat there to fight for our needs here in Long Island,” Singh said.

Singh proposes tax credits for first-time homebuyers, child care assistance, and smaller starter homes to retain younger residents. He also calls for downsizing options for seniors while preserving suburban character. Mattera emphasizes his record of securing projects, while Singh argues that new representation will bring additional economic opportunities to the district.