Representative David A. Levy

David A. Levy (born December 18, 1953) is an American Republican politician, lawyer, and former member of the United States House of Representatives from New York. Over the course of a varied career in law, local government, broadcasting, and national politics, he served one term in Congress from 1993 to 1995, representing a Long Island–area district during a period of significant political and social change in the United States.

Levy was raised on Long Island and pursued his higher education at Hofstra University in the Village of Hempstead, New York. He completed his undergraduate studies there and went on to earn a law degree from Hofstra University School of Law. His legal training provided the foundation for his subsequent work as an attorney and public official, and his early professional life reflected a combination of legal practice, public service, and media experience.

Before entering elective office, Levy worked as a lawyer and as an executive in the utility industry, gaining experience in regulatory and corporate matters that would later inform his public policy perspectives. He also built a background in broadcast journalism, serving in the news departments of several New York–area radio stations, including WGBB in Freeport, WHN in New York City, WINS in New York City, and WKJY in Hempstead. This work in radio news contributed to his familiarity with public affairs and communication with a broad audience.

Levy’s formal political career began at the local level in the Town of Hempstead, New York. He was elected to the Hempstead Town Council, where he served from 1989 to 1993. In that role, he participated in municipal governance for one of the largest towns in the United States, addressing local issues such as zoning, public services, and community development. His tenure on the town council helped establish his reputation as a Republican officeholder on Long Island and positioned him for higher office.

In 1992, Levy ran for the United States House of Representatives as a Republican to succeed Norman F. Lent, a fellow Republican who chose not to seek re-election. Levy won the election and served in the 103rd Congress from January 3, 1993, to January 3, 1995. As a member of the House of Representatives, he participated in the legislative process during a significant period in American history, representing the interests of his New York constituents and contributing to debates on national policy. His service in Congress occurred at a time of shifting partisan dynamics and emerging domestic and international issues, and he took part in the democratic process as one of the Republican voices from the New York delegation.

Levy sought renomination to his congressional seat in 1994 but was challenged within his own party. The Republican nomination instead went to a more conservative candidate, Dan Frisa. Frisa went on to win the general election and succeed Levy in Congress, but he himself was defeated after one term by Democrat Carolyn McCarthy, reflecting the competitive and changing political landscape of the district. Levy’s single term in Congress thus formed a distinct chapter in the evolving partisan balance on Long Island.

After leaving Congress, Levy continued his involvement in public service at the local level. From 1995 to 2017, he served as counsel to the town supervisor of Hempstead, applying his legal expertise and legislative experience to the administration of town government. In this capacity, he advised on legal, regulatory, and policy matters affecting one of New York’s most populous municipalities, extending his influence in local governance over more than two decades.

In his personal life, Levy is married to Tracy Burgess, a former on-air personality with New York sports radio station WFAN. His career and background have also placed him among the notable Jewish members of the United States Congress, reflecting both his role in national politics and his place within the broader tapestry of American Jewish public figures.