James Skoufis, a two-term state senator representing the 39th senate district, is running in the newly drawn 42nd State Senate district in New York, which encompasses almost all of Orange County.
He faces Republican candidate Dorey Houle in the general election.
Skoufis spoke with The Epoch Times on Oct. 25. The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
The Epoch Times: You were elected to the Woodbury town board at 21 and then to state assembly at 25, becoming the youngest assembly member in New York at the time. Why did you decide to enter a career in public service?
Skoufis: My father was born in Greece, where ancient Greeks invented politics a couple of thousand years ago. Politics was viewed as a noble profession, and people got into it to be a voice for their neighbors, friends, and families. Over time, that mission has gotten lost for some people….