Judicial

Theresa Whelan is a Suffolk County Family Court Judge and has held that position since 2008, following her election in 2007. She was recently re-elected to another ten year term in 2017. As a Family Court Judge, Judge Whelan hears primarily child abuse and neglect cases and presides over Family Treatment Court, better known as a drug court. Judge Whelan works hard to ensure the safety and well-being of children in the child welfare system. As a judge presiding over Family Treatment Court, she has monitored hundreds of parents as they address their substance abuse issues, and has safely reunited many families over the years.

Stephen L. Ukeiley is a former Acting Suffolk County Court and District Court Judge. Steve earned the State Independent Judicial Election Qualification Commission’s highest judicial ranking -- “Highly Qualified”. He has presided over in excess of 65,000 criminal and civil cases to completion and sat in every part of the District Court. In 2014, Steve was the Presiding Judge of the Suffolk County Human Trafficking Court where he heard felony cases involving sex and labor trafficking, and the commercial sexual exploitation of women and children. Steve is presently the Principal Law Clerk to a Court of Claims Judge and Acting Supreme Court Justice.

Judge Martha Luft is seeking re-election to the Family Court of Suffolk County, after serving on the bench for ten years with great distinction. She is the only candidate for Family Court who has received a “highly qualified” rating from the Independent Judicial Election Qualification Commission.

Valerie Cartright is a Councilwoman in the Town of Brookhaven and an attorney. Throughout her legal career, she has gained invaluable legal experience in the areas of construction law, insurance defense, general civil and criminal law, civil rights, family, education and labor and employment law. Her previous affiliation with the Law Offices of Frederick K. Brewington allowed her to make large-scale impacts on the community while serving to preserve the civil rights and liberties of those individuals whose rights have been violated. One of the most fulfilling areas that she has worked in is the area of Voter Protection, wherein, through her office, she commenced litigation to uphold the Voting Rights Act and worked diligently to prevent unconstitutional and discriminatory denial of voters on Long Island.