LONG BEACH, NY – Voters in one Nassau County district will cast ballots next month for a candidate who disappeared at sea, after a judge ruled his name must remain on the ballot.
Petros Krommidas, 29, a Long Beach Democrat and former Ivy League rower, went missing in the Atlantic Ocean after going for a night swim this past spring.
His car was found parked near the boardwalk, with his phone, keys, and clothes left on the sand.
Authorities conducted an extensive search, but Krommidas was never recovered and has not been declared dead.
As the November election approaches, his name will still appear opposite the Republican incumbent for a seat in the Nassau County Legislature.
Judge: still missing, not deceased
Local Democratic leaders attempted to name a replacement candidate after months passed without word from Krommidas.
However, two Republican voters challenged the substitution in court, arguing that state law allows no replacement unless the candidate is officially declared deceased.
A state judge agreed, ruling that Krommidas is legally missing and therefore remains the rightful nominee.
Ballot creates unprecedented race
The unusual case has left Long Beach voters facing a surreal decision — choosing between an incumbent and a candidate who vanished before the campaign began.
Election officials confirmed that ballots listing Krommidas will move forward as printed.
If he were to win, the seat would be declared vacant, prompting a special election.
A quiet beach disappearance has now turned into one of Long Island’s strangest political stories.