He was admitted to the bar in 1962, practiced law in New York City, and entered politics as a Democrat.
On March 2, 1976, Gazzara was elected to the New York State Senate, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of John J.
[2] He was re-elected four times, and remained in the Senate until 1983, sitting in the 181st, 182nd, 183rd, 184th and 185th New York State Legislatures.
He resigned his seat on May 23, 1983, and was appointed as Chairman of the New York State Liquor Authority.
[3] He resigned the post on the Liquor Authority on February 28, 1985, to get a job as a Vice President in the administration of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.