Overview

Frank Skartados (January 3, 1956 – April 15, 2018) was a Greek‑born American businessman and Democratic politician who represented a Hudson Valley district in the New York State Assembly. During a career marked by close contests and a successful comeback, he served constituents in and around the city of Newburgh and other communities of the Mid‑Hudson region. His public profile combined local business experience with attention to district issues such as economic development and public services.

Political career and timeline

Skartados first gained state‑level office when he defeated a long‑time incumbent to win a seat in the New York State Assembly. Over the next decade he alternated between service and defeat, ultimately returning to the Assembly after a special election. Key milestones include:

  • Election to the Assembly in 2008 after defeating a 14‑year incumbent.
  • Service representing a Mid‑Hudson district variously identified in election returns and public documents during his tenure.
  • A subsequent electoral loss that temporarily returned the seat to his former opponent.
  • Victory in a March 2012 special election following the death of his former opponent, after which he won full terms in the general elections that followed.

Issues, style and achievements

As a state legislator Skartados focused on matters commonly prioritized by members representing suburban and small‑city districts. He emphasized economic growth for the region, access to quality education, improvements to local infrastructure, and health‑care concerns affecting constituents. Colleagues and observers described him as a hands‑on local representative who worked to secure resources and attention for municipal and community projects.

Elections and electoral record

Skartados' electoral history was notable for competitive races and clear voter support in several contests. After the initial 2008 victory he was briefly out of office following a later defeat, but he regained the seat in 2012 in a special election and was subsequently re‑elected to full terms. In at least one of those re‑election campaigns he won by margins reported at roughly six in ten voters, demonstrating substantial local backing.

Personal life and death

Born in Greece, Skartados became a U.S. businessman before entering public life. He lived and worked in the Mid‑Hudson Valley region and was involved in local civic activities. In April 2018 he was hospitalized in Newburgh with a serious illness; his hospitalization was reported in local media and officials. He died on April 15, 2018, of pancreatic cancer at age 62. For district information and legacy details see the assembly district resources (district page), local accounts of his hospitalization and care in Newburgh (Newburgh reports), and contemporary obituaries and remembrances (obituary and coverage).

Notable facts and legacy

Skartados' career illustrates the volatility of competitive local politics and the importance of special elections in filling vacancies. His pattern of defeat and return is an example of how incumbency, local issues and personal ties interact in state legislative politics. He is remembered in his region for advocacy on behalf of municipal projects and for being an active, constituency‑focused representative.