Nick LaLota celebrates his victory on Nov. 5. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
By Toni-Elena Gallo and Aidan Johnson
At Stereo Garden in Patchogue, the GOP was a sea of red on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 5. Guests mingled with drinks in hand, as music blared over the club’s speaker system.
The event was hosted by Jesse Garcia, chairman of the Suffolk County Republican Committee and Brookhaven Town Republican Committee, whose high energy propelled the evening and invigorated the large crowd. He spoke of the resilience of the Republican Party through the tumultuous past four years, and expressed confidence in Suffolk’s support for members of the GOP.
LaLota victorious over Avlon in battle for Congress, Avlon concedes
As results poured in from around 10 p.m. to the early hours of the morning, the race considered highly important in the flipping of the House majority in Washington, was decided. Incumbent Nick LaLota, representative of the 1st Congressional District, won 55.7% of the vote to Democratic opponent John Avlon’s 44.3%.
“Thank you so much to every single one of you. I’m only here because of everything you’ve done. You made the phone calls. You knocked on doors, you planted lawn signs,” LaLota said to the room.
“You’ve placed your trust in me and I’m going to take another term of office in a few weeks so I can continue to fight for you,” he continued. He added that he has run on his record, which is one committed to bipartisanship, and has seen more bills passed by him than “95% of Congress,” bringing “$150 million home” to Suffolk in the process.
“It’s a hard night in Suffolk County for us Democrats, it’s a hard night for many Democrats, but the fight continues,” Avlon said in a speech at the IBEW Local 1049 Union Hall in Holtsville, where many of the Suffolk County Democrats congregated for a watch party.
“It’s really important for us to keep the energy up, and understand that this is not a time for us to shirk back, but it is a time for folks to stand up continuously, because the good fight never ends and democracy depends on loving your country no matter who is president,” he added.
Anthony Palumbo celebrates his victory on Nov. 5. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
Palumbo comes out on top in state Senate race
Incumbent Republican state senator of the 1st District, Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk), beat Democratic opponent Sarah Anker, with 53.4% of the vote, to Anker’s 46.6%.
“This is a team win. I want to thank my wife, to thank my friends in law enforcement who supported us. We did this most importantly because of you folks. This is many, many months in the making,” Palumbo said. He continued by saying that he and his supporters worked hard on his campaign because “it is about what’s best for our constituency.”
Anker has not yet released a statement.
Mattera wins out over Herskowitz in NY 2nd Senate District
Incumbent Mario Mattera beat Craig Herskowitz, winning his third term in the 2nd Senate District, 58.7% to 41.3%.
Mattera was not on hand to make a speech, as he was in Smithtown speaking at another event. Chairman Garcia expressed his congratulatory feelings for Mattera, leading the crowd in a round of applause for him.
Kassay and Flood in tight contest for 4th District Assembly seat; Giglio defeats Chiaramonte in 2nd District
As of 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, no result has been confirmed for the state Assembly race between Republican incumbent Ed Flood and his Democratic opponent Rebecca Kassay, both from Port Jefferson. Kassay currently is leading Flood by 211 votes (29,246-29,035). The final result has not yet been announced as of press time.
Jodi Giglio (R-Riverhead) easily beat out Tricia Chiaramonte with 64.9% of the vote, to Chiaramonte’s 35.1%. Chiaramonte did not actively campaign against incumbent Giglio.
Fitzpatrick victorious over Basileo in NY 8th Assembly District
Incumbent of 22 years, Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Smithtown), beat Democratic candidate Steven Basileo by a sweeping 66.4% to 33.6%, in the 8th Assembly District.
Fitzpatrick was just one of many Republicans who has been reelected to his seat, as newer Democratic politicians did not attract the same amount of support across the North Shore. Voters seemingly preferred the current occupants.
10th and 12th Assembly Districts
In the 10th Assembly District, Democratic incumbent Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills) beat Republican Aamir Sultan, 55% to 45%. In the 12th District, incumbent Keith Brown (R-Northport) defeated Democrat Thomas Cox, 57.5% to 42.5%.
4th District Court Judge, Town of Smithtown
Republicans Paul Damato and John Zollo beat Democratic candidate Maria Scheuring, receiving a combined 79.2% of the vote — 39.6% each — winning the two vacant seats, while Scheuring received 20.7% of the vote. Scheuring was not active during this election season.
All these results are noted by the Suffolk County Board of Elections as “unofficial.”
6th District Court Judge, Town of Brookhaven
Evan Tannenbaum, Patricia Blake and Kenneth Lauri won the three available seats for District Court Judge of the 6th District. They received 23.4%, 23.2%, and 22.0% of the vote, respectively, beating out Democrats Margot Garant and Dorothy Cavalier.
“I want to thank the Town of Brookhaven and my fellow Republicans,” Lauri said. Tannenbaum echoed similar sentiments.
All these results are noted by the Suffolk County Board of Elections as “unofficial.”
TBR News Media is endorsing incumbent Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Smithtown) for NYS 8th District assemblyman.
As a member of the state Assembly for over 22 years, and a former member of the Smithtown Town Council for 15, Fitzpatrick is trusted by his community. He is a veteran politician, who possesses a youthful zest for his job, and clearly has no intention of slowing down. He also brings helpful seniority to his position.
Fitzpatrick has been working, and wants to continue working, to bring infrastructure such as sewers to vulnerable areas, and feels that with responsible growth, we can increase housing options on Long Island that are not only more affordable, but will keep people here, and living in the suburban environment they are accustomed to.
Fitzpatrick supports green energy initiatives, but is not as focused on environmental policy as his Democratic rival Steve Basileo. Additionally, promoting a more ecomonically sound and fiscally responsible state is one of his chief concerns. He totally opposes abortion.
He is passionate about pension reform, and investing in our SUNY system — particularly Stony Brook, our state’s flagship university — and stronger vocational training options for those who would prefer going into a trade. Basileo is a highly intelligent man, with a strong foundation in public policy, and possesses exceptional interpersonal skills. His background in labor organizing, as well as interning with Suffolk County Legislator Sam Gonzalez (D-Brentwood), shows his dedication to helping those in need of assistance and support.
Having political aspirations so young puts him in a league above many others his age, and his understanding of our state’s governmental structure and function are such that we hope he stays in the political arena.
For these reasons, we are endorsing Mike Fitzpatrick. He has an impressive track record, a history of results and is trusted by his constituents, as well as us.
New York State Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
By Toni-Elena Gallo
In a recent meeting at the TBR News Media office for the 8th Assembly District covering Smithtown and parts of Islip, candidate Steve Basileo (D-St. James) and incumbent Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Smithtown) outlined their platforms focusing on housing, taxes, health care, renewable energy, education and school funding. Each candidate presented distinct priorities and approaches, providing voters with insight into how they would address the district’s needs.
Backgrounds and opening statements
Steve Basilieo
Basileo is a newcomer to the district’s political scene. With a master’s degree in public policy from Stony Brook University and experience as a labor organizer, he emphasized his desire to bring fresh ideas and increased visibility to the Assembly office. Basileo recounted that he has canvassed “thousands upon thousands of doors,” noting that many residents feel underrepresented in Albany. He expressed a commitment to social issues, especially reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ protections, stating that his campaign would “reflect the evolving values of this district.” Basileo, who also has experience in constituent services from an internship with Suffolk County Legislator Sam Gonzalez (D-Brentwood), said he aims to foster a more accessible and proactive Assembly presence.
Fitzpatrick has represented the district for over 22 years in the New York State Assembly and previously served for 15 years on the Smithtown Town Council. He highlighted his long tenure as evidence of his deep understanding of district issues, saying, “I believe I have reflected [the community’s] values, their aspirations, their concerns.” Fitzpatrick described himself as fiscally conservative, focused on reducing government costs and treating taxpayer dollars responsibly, likening his role to that of a fiduciary. A financial professional by background, Fitzpatrick has worked in the pension industry and emphasized his experience in managing budgets and understanding complex fiscal policies. He framed his campaign as defending “the core values” of the district, advocating for financial stability and limited government.
Cost of living, housing and taxes
Both candidates addressed the high cost of living, housing shortages and tax burdens but proposed different solutions.
• Basileo advocated for increasing housing supply, citing successful approaches in cities like Minneapolis and Austin, Texas, where additional housing has helped stabilize rents. He supported converting underused commercial spaces into mixed-use developments and expanding accessory dwelling units as long as they meet safety standards. “When you look at the numbers, build more,” he explained, adding that expanded infrastructure would support housing growth.
• Fitzpatrick agreed on the need for more housing options but stressed careful management of infrastructure, focusing on recent sewer investments and transit-focused growth in downtown areas. He expressed reservations about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) proposal to override local zoning rules, saying, “The state wants to push the zoning code — that will not fly here on Long Island.” On taxes, Fitzpatrick emphasized reducing government spending through pension reform, proposing a shift from defined-benefit to defined-contribution plans for public employees to sustainably manage costs.
• Basileo discussed a different approach to government resources, focusing on local services and connecting residents to state resources. He highlighted that an active Assembly office could help secure state funding for essential projects like infrastructure upgrades.
Health care
Basileo shared a personal perspective on health care, explaining that his autism diagnosis has given him firsthand experience with the challenges of accessing reliable care. He proposed enshrining Affordable Care Act protections such as coverage for preexisting conditions into state law to protect New Yorkers from potential federal changes. Additionally, Basileo suggested introducing a public insurance option to offer a lower-cost alternative for residents, aiming to make healthcare more accessible. “It’s an affordable option for people who want it,” he said, positioning health care as a fundamental issue for district residents.
Renewable energy, environment and infrastructure
Bothcandidates recognized the importance of renewable energy but differed in emphasis.
• Basileo argued that renewable energy, especially wind power, is essential for Long Island. He cited the state’s planned wind training center in Suffolk County as a job creation opportunity and a way to support sustainable energy production. “There’s good job opportunities here,” he said, adding that investment in wind and solar energy would be beneficial economically and environmentally, given Long Island’s vulnerability to climate change.
• Fitzpatrick took a measured stance on renewable energy, acknowledging the promise of green initiatives while emphasizing the need for balanced infrastructure readiness. He cautioned that the environmental benefits should be weighed against costs and said heavy reliance on green energy alone may not fully address the district’s immediate needs.
Immigration and public safety
• Fitzpatrick raised concerns about immigration, focusing on its potential impact on local resources and public safety. He shared a personal story from his time in El Paso, Texas, where he witnessed crime associated with immigration issues, reinforcing his belief that current policies should consider economic and social impacts on communities. Fitzpatrick voiced opposition to public campaign financing and criticized state spending on migrant housing, contending that these funds could address local priorities instead.
• Basileo, though not directly addressing immigration, spoke broadly about his commitment to an inclusive community. He emphasized protections for marginalized groups, reflecting his campaign’s broader theme of social inclusivity and support for community programs.
Education and Foundation Aid formula
Both candidates highlighted education as an essential issue in their platforms, particularly addressing the state’s Foundation Aid formula, which determines funding allocations for school districts.
• Basileo expressed support for revisiting and revising the Foundation Aid formula to ensure that funding is equitably distributed, particularly in districts facing high costs and diverse student needs. He argued that an update to the formula would help alleviate disparities across districts and provide Long Island schools with a fair share of state funding. Drawing on his labor-organizing experience, Basileo emphasized the importance of adequately funding public education to ensure quality resources for teachers and students. “Our schools deserve more resources to meet the needs of today’s students,” he said, advocating for a more equitable funding model that considers the unique challenges of Long Island’s high-cost areas.
• Fitzpatrick acknowledged that the Foundation Aid formula impacts school funding but called for a balanced approach that includes cost control. He noted that high pension and benefit costs for educators strain school budgets and taxpayer resources. Fitzpatrick proposed measures to improve the efficiency of school spending, including pension reform, which he believes would “help school districts manage their budgets without increasing the burden on taxpayers.” He emphasized that education funding should be used effectively and advocated for vocational training programs that align with local job market needs, arguing that practical education can benefit students and strengthen the local economy.
Downtown revitalization
On redeveloping Smithtown’s Main Street, Basileo proposed using state funding to make the area more pedestrian-friendly and economically vibrant. He pointed to successful models in other Long Island towns such as Babylon and Patchogue and expressed a desire for Smithtown to benefit from similar investment. “We deserve that same kind of thing,” Basileo argued, saying that revitalizing Smithtown’s downtown could improve the quality of life for residents and attract more businesses to the area.
Fitzpatrick highlighted specific challenges in redeveloping Smithtown, citing infrastructure constraints as a significant obstacle. He explained that limited sewer capacity has historically delayed downtown growth, though recent grants have helped improve these systems. Fitzpatrick mentioned the town’s hiring of Tritech Real Estate for a redevelopment study as a step toward addressing these issues, explaining that thoughtful planning around sewers and zoning would allow Smithtown’s downtown to eventually “grow and thrive.”
Closing arguments
In his closing remarks, Basileo emphasized his commitment to accessible constituent services and modern social values. He positioned himself as a candidate aligned with the district’s younger, more socially-conscious residents, particularly on issues like health care, housing and renewable energy. He expressed a vision of a proactive, full-time Assembly office focused on inclusivity and advocacy, arguing that “the Assembly presence can be much more than it is now.”
Fitzpatrick concluded by highlighting his long tenure and dedication to fiscal responsibility, focusing on reducing taxes and preserving local autonomy. He argued that his policies align with the district’s core economic and social values, appealing to voters concerned with government spending, local governance and sustainable growth. Fitzpatrick underscored that “experience matters,” asserting that his approach offers stability and prudent stewardship of taxpayer resources.
Summary
The debate provided voters a clear contrast between Basileo’s forward-looking, service-oriented platform and Fitzpatrick’s experience-based, fiscally-conservative approach. Basileo focused on social inclusivity, renewable energy, health care access and housing solutions that would benefit from increased state investment. Fitzpatrick emphasized conservative fiscal policies, the importance of local governance and infrastructure improvements, particularly in managing costs and resources responsibly.
Each candidate offered a distinct vision for the district, with Basileo advocating for a more active role in social and environmental issues and Fitzpatrick supporting traditional economic policies and structured growth. Voters in Smithtown and parts of Islip will need to weigh these perspectives as they decide who best addresses the district’s priorities and future needs.
Summary written with assistance from ChatGPT’s services, with all information vetted by TBR’s proofreading team.