She aims to revitalize Albany.
A determined Long Island school board leader, who is committed to keeping the district’s “Chiefs” team name, is seriously contemplating a run for the state Senate, according to recent reports.
“We believe our district deserves leadership that prioritizes students, families, and taxpayers,” stated Kelly Wachter, 53, President of the Massapequa School Board.
Wachter, who supports Trump, is looking at the 8th Congressional District seat, which runs from Massapequa in Nassau County to the Patchogue state line in Suffolk, following the announcement that incumbent Republican Alexis Wike will not seek reelection.
If he runs, he mentioned that his campaign would concentrate on “enhancing schools, supporting families, and ensuring parents have a voice in their children’s education.”
“At this point, I’m listening to what community members have to say and considering how my campaign can have the most significant impact,” added Wachter, a mother of three.
State Representative Michael Durso, whose office is in Massapequa, and Jarrett Gandolfo from Bayport are among those being mentioned as potential candidates for the seat, according to sources.
No one has officially declared their candidacy for the upcoming election yet.
Wachter gained national attention last year for her vigorous defense against Albany, specifically working to retain the Massapequa Chiefs logo, which is now the subject of a court battle due to a statewide ban on Native American mascots implemented by the Board of Regents in 2023.
People who have known and worked with Wachter since she joined the school board in 2019 have praised her highly.
“She’s really been an advocate for keeping local control over the school district,” noted Gary Baldinger, a former school board member and NFL player.
“We want to hold onto local control as a community,” he added, commending Wachter’s ability to collaborate across party lines and labeling her as a dedicated worker for Massapequa.
Local parent Rose Stein echoed this sentiment.
“She’s incredible. She inspires others to get involved. She really champions the kids in our area,” Stein shared.
“I think this would be a fantastic role for her,” she added regarding Wachter’s potential Senate run.
Main concerns
Following a federal judge’s ruling against maintaining the Chiefs name in the spring, Wachter displayed both resilience and political skill.
It coincided with a trend where several Long Island schools, despite community backing, either abandoned their lawsuits or settled confidentially when facing similar challenges.
“Many community members were imploring the board, ‘Please keep fighting for this,’” Stein recalled.
“She truly listens to the community… and she’s not one to give up,” Stein emphasized.
Wachter even reached out to the White House in April, urging President Trump to intervene on behalf of the community, which he did shortly after.
Trump stated: “I agree with the people of Massapequa, Long Island, who are working tirelessly to keep the Massapequa Chiefs logo on their teams and schools.”
“Long live Chief Massapequa!” he added during a photo op in the Oval Office sporting a Chiefs sweatshirt.
This rallying cry was further spotlighted at a Save the Chiefs fundraiser in June that followed Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s tour of Massapequa High School.
Wachter and McMahon committed to investigating New York State’s ban on Indigenous team names at the Chiefs’ gym, with this ongoing fight remaining mired in legal proceedings.
“Several factors came together to make this possible, but [Wachter], the board president, was instrumental in making it happen,” Baldinger remarked.
“I give her all the credit,” he concluded.
Moreover, Wachter, along with local parents and educators, previously filed a lawsuit against state Attorney General Letitia James, alleging that he intimidated students and community members concerned about transgender athletes in youth sports.
If Wachter officially enters the race in November, she plans to focus on “enhancing education, restoring public safety, lowering taxes, and implementing responsible policies that make New York more family-friendly.”
