A New York Democrat Running for Nassau County Legislature is Missing: 'We Need to Find Him'

A candidate for a New York county legislature, Petros Krommidas, has been missing for almost a week, the Nassau County Police Department said.

Krommidas, 29, is a Democrat running for the Nassau County legislature's 4th District. He was last seen in Baldwin on Wednesday, April 23 around 9 p.m., according to police. His family said in a social media post that Krommidas had parked his car by the Allegria Hotel in Long Beach, then took a towel and walked onto the beach to exercise around 10:30 p.m.

The family noted that he was "no stranger to cold water training" and that he had plans to do a triathlon. The day after he was reported missing, police found his towel, clothes and phone on the beach.

"Please keep searching. We need to find him," Krommidas' sister, Eleni-Lemonia Krommidas, said in a statement on Tuesday.

Krommidas was reported missing on April 24, with the family saying it is "completely out of character" for him to not respond to messages.

Search efforts have continued over the past days, but the family is also encouraging the public to help by walking along the beaches— specifically areas between Long Beach, Lido Beach and Jacob Riis Park— during high tide.

"Every pair of eyes helps. Every step along the beach matters. Thank you for being part of bringing Petey home," the family said.

Just two days before his disappearance, Krommidas spoke at a meeting for the Nassau County Young Democrats. He is currently a field organizer and clerk for the Democratic Party in Nassau County, also considered a rising star among Nassau Democrats.

"When you have someone who has a Chaminade background and a Columbia background and is so outspoken and it's all about his community, it's a no brainer to have someone like that run for office. You pray for a candidate like that," James Scheuerman, Executive Director of Nassau County Board of Elections, had said about him.

Likewise, the county Democratic committee posted a plea on Facebook asking followers to share their post across social media platforms.

"We are heartbroken over the disappearance of Petros Krommidas," said county Democratic chairman Jay Jacobs. "Petros is a bright, driven young man who has been a strong voice for Democratic values. He is well respected by the community and represents the very best of our next generation of leaders. We are keeping Petros and his family in our prayers and remain hopeful for his safe return."

Police said anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should contact the Missing Persons Squad at 516-573-7347. Law enforcement sources also say they do not suspect foul play.