While dozens of Republicans went down in the historic blue wave that swept the country on Tuesday, New York’s First Congressional District (NY-01) bucked that trend and opted to send Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) back to Congress.
LaLota defeated former Black Hawk pilot and air traffic controller Chris Gallant (D-Amity Harbor) by about 3 points, LaLota’s closest margin compared to his previous two runs.
In his victory speech in Patchogue, joined by his family, LaLota called the Suffolk GOP Committee the “best [political] committee in the nation,” and that victories like his and others on Tuesday night despite the environment are “only possible” because of that leadership.
“In the Navy, I learned that a ship is never as strong as its crew. And in this arena, I’ve never served with a better crew,” said LaLota. “To every Long Islander who voted for me, thank you for your trust. I will work hard every day to keep that trust, and for those who didn’t vote for me, I am your congressman too. My door is open. We don’t have to agree on everything, but we can work together, and I will always fight for your family, regardless of your political affiliation.”
LaLota addressed the overwhelming national sentiment against the GOP, saying that Americans sent a message that “all in public office need to hear.”
“They’re frustrated. They’re worried about affordability. Their children’s future and whether Washington is truly listening, and they expect more from their elected leaders. We would make a mistake if we didn’t listen. I’ve always believed that public service isn’t about winning arguments or scoring political points. It’s about delivering results for the people who are charged to serve. That’s how I’ve approached this job, and that’s how I’ll approach the next two years.”
LaLota reaffirmed his vows to lower taxes, secure the nation’s borders, support the police and Veterans, and bring back federal resources to Suffolk. He also reaffirmed his belief in the “American Dream, opportunity, hard work, and the freedom to build a better life” for the nation’s children.
“Whether our party is winning elections or not, because our principles are not supposed to change with the political winds, we must always be willing to listen, learn, and do better,” said LaLota. He quoted a Biblical verse from 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith.”
Smithtown Republicans Win
While many Republican candidates for State-level office won by relatively slimmer margins than they have in the past, voters overwhelmingly voted to send Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-St. James) back to Albany.
Fitzpatrick, who earned a thirteenth term on Tuesday, defeated Lynne Trupiano-O’Keefe (D-Kings Park) with 61.34% of the vote (34,871 votes) to 38.60% (21,942 votes).
Also earning a vote of confidence and a return to Albany was Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James). Mattera earned a fourth term on Tuesday with 54% of the vote (72,641 votes) to first-time candidate Harjot Singh’s (D-Dix Hills) 46% (61,362 votes).
To fill the vacant Tax Receiver position, Kim Carros (R-Smithtown) handily defeated Library Trustee Brianna Baker-Stines (D-Smithtown). Carros won with 61% of the vote (30,631 votes) to Baker-Stines’ 38% (19,257 votes).
