A lifelong resident of Jackson Heights, Sabini won election to the Community Advisory Board at Elmhurst Hospital at age 16.
Prior to his election to the City Council, Sabini was Vice President of the MWW Group, a public and government relations firm based in New Jersey.
The crisis surrounding the Queens County Democratic Organization following the death of Donald Manes in 1986 was a defining moment in Sabini's career.
Sabini was thrust into the position of interim chairman at the time when scrutiny from the media and federal investigators threatened the future of the local party organization.
When the newly configured 13th Senate District was unveiled in the spring of 2002, Sabini became a candidate who amassed broad support within the Democratic Party.
He served as the liaison between the Senate Minority Conference and the Governor's office, the State Assembly, Congress and local governments.
[2] Sabini resigned his Senate seat to accept a nomination by Governor Paterson to become head of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board.