DeRiggi-Whitton to be Nassau Leg Dem Leader

By Chris O’Neill

Nassau Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove) has been chosen to be the Legislature’s minority Democratic leader, starting in January, 2024.

DeRiggi-Whitton was just overwhelmingly re-elected by her Glen Cove-Port Washington district with nearly 64% of the vote.

According to the county’s charter, the legislator who receives the majority of votes in the 19 person legislature becomes the Presiding Officer and the runner-up from that vote - and who is from the opposition party - becomes the Minority Leader.

DeRiggi-Whitton will succeed Minority Leader Kevan Abraham, who has held that post for 12 years.

DeRiggi-Whitton wants to focus on the ongoing opioid drug addiction crisis and Nassau County’s physical infrastructure.

Before serving in the legislature, she served two terms on the Glen Cove City Council where she was known both as a fiscal hawk and ardent advocate of environmental causes.

DeRiggi-Whitton is also a founding member of First City Project Collective, which for the ‘Toys for Tots’ drive has become the largest one-day toy collection event in America.

DeRiggi-Whitton, is the daughter of Judge Donald DeRiggi, who is a retired Nassau County judge and the past mayor of Glen Cove; and Dr. Mildred “Millie” DeRiggi, local historian, who, during the 1960s, was a answer/question writer for the legendary quiz shows of “Jeopardy!” and “G.E. College Bowl.”