Jon Cooper | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Suffolk County Legislature for the 18th Legislative District | |
| In office 1999–2011 | |
| Personal details | |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Robert Cooper |
Jon Cooper is a former member of the Suffolk County Legislature in Suffolk County, New York. He served as a Democratic majority leader in the 18th legislative district, being elected in 1999.[1]He holds the record for the longest serving legislative majority leader in the history of Suffolk County, serving for 12 years.[2]
Cooper is also notable for advocating for same-sex rights alongside his spouse, Robert Cooper,[1] serving as the only openly Gay candidate every elected in Suffolk County, and one of only a handful of Gay elected politicians anywhere in the United States at that time.[3]
Cooper also authored the first bill in the entire nation to ban the usage of cell phones whilst driving.[2]
Personal life
Jon Cooper is married to Robert Cooper, and has five adopted children.[4]
Political career
Jon Cooper was elected to the Suffolk County Legislature in 1999, winning through 52.8% of the votes.[3] He would go on to serve six consecutive terms, making him the longest serving Majority Leader in Suffolk's history.[1]
During his time as an elected politician, Cooper advocated for same-sex rights,[1] low-income housing, and environmental issues.[3] Cooper also authored the first bill in the entire nation to ban the usage of cell phones whilst driving, with that ban coming into effect in 2000.[2]
After his time in office, Cooper would then serve as Co-chair of the Tri-state region of the Obama Victory Trustees,[1] a fundraiser for Barack Obama's presidential campaign.[5]
CEO of Spectronics Corporation
Outside of politics, Jon Cooper serves as president of Spectronics Corporation, a ultraviolet lighting and fluorescent manufacturing company based out of Westbury, New York[4]
In 2016, Cooper was honored for his achievements in the expansion of Spectronics Corporation by being recognized and inducted into the Long Island Business Hall of Fame.[6]
References
- battaglia (2012-09-11). "Joe Dujmic Receives Major Endorsement". Suffolk County Democratic Committee. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
- "Great Gatsby Gala". Huntington Hospital. 2014.
- Rather, John (1999-11-21). "Gay, a Politician and a Winner". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
- "Jon Cooper and Robert Cooper". The New York Times. 2009-05-02. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
- Nicholas, Peter (2012-02-15). "Obama Campaign Offers New Perks for Some Big Bundlers". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
- Cooper, Chris (2016-11-11). "Jon Cooper Inducted into Long Island Business Hall of Fame". Spectroline.com. Retrieved 2026-04-06.