NEW YORK () — A Long Island politician who went missing earlier this year will still appear on the November ballot after a judge ruled his name must stay on the roster since he has not been declared legally dead.

Petros Krommidas, 29, a candidate for the Nassau County legislature, was last seen April 23. At the time, he was believed to be in the Long Beach section of the island.

CBS News reports Krommidas went for a swim in the ocean off the boardwalk while training for a triathlon at the time of his disappearance, according to his family.

A special election would be held in the event Krommidas wins.

In April, Nassau County Democratic Committee Chairman Jay Jacobs told local affiliate WPIX in a statement, “We are heartbroken over the disappearance of Petros Krommidas. 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.”