Know before you vote

NEW YORK’S SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Andrew Garbarino, incumbent (R)

By Sam Desmond

Rep. Andrew Garbarino was sworn into office on Jan. 3, 2021 for New York’s 2nd Congressional District. He has served on the House Financial Services Committee, Ethics Committee, and Homeland Security Committee, where he is the chair of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation.

Since taking office, Garbarino and his staff have resolved 7,000 cases on behalf of Long Islanders and recovered over $21 million from the federal government to return to constituents. 

Garbarino has secured billions of dollars to New York State to rebuild infrastructure and “repair crumbling roads” as well as $36.361 million for 15 community projects in NY-2. 

According to Garbarino, the top three issues he will focus on should he be re-elected are lowering the cost of living, continuing to address our local infrastructure needs, and securing our borders.

Rob Lubin, Democratic nominee

By Connor Patton

The 29-year-old Democratic nominee for Congress lives in Lindenhurst, where he manages an online fashion marketplace called IN-HOUSE. Lubin founded the business on the heels of other companies closing their doors when the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020. Despite failing to qualify for federal assistance loans because his company was too new, Lubin’s business survived.

Along with supporting small businesses, Lubin is campaigning on lowering health care and housing costs, protecting access to abortion, and securing the border, issues that personally impact the young congressional candidate.

Lubin is also recently engaged to his fiancée, Romi, and believes that finding an affordable home to raise a future family is infeasible for most young people like him.

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 3

Joe DeStefano, incumbent (R)

By Nicole Fuentes

State assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R, C) will be seeking reelection in the Third District this Nov. 5. He was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 2018.

As assemblyman, DeStefano procured two local bills to designate the Long Island Expressway overpass at Yaphank Avenue as the “Sgt. Louis Bonacasa Memorial Bridge” and the overpass at Horseblock Road as the “Medford FD Commissioner Niel Marturiello Memorial Bridge.”

He said he is also proud of introducing the bill that cleared the way for the Patchogue-Medford Library to build its new Medford Branch. He has also helped secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant funding for other libraries, parks, EMS, veterans, and youth organizations in his district. 

His top priorities include making the community safer and more affordable, and protecting water and other natural resources.

DeStefano said he also supports the 1/8 cent sales tax for sewers referendum and have joined with the county executive and local legislators to continually push for state and federal support to carry out Suffolk’s Comprehensive Water Resource Management Plan. 

DeStefano is also the co-sponsor of the Rescue New York agenda, which emphasizes cutting taxes, reducing regulations, and improving the state’s business climate. 

He also noted that while he believes that reducing taxes and inflation will make housing more affordable, state and federal funds must also be made available for shovel-ready housing projects that require either new sewers or can be served by expanding existing facilities. 

The Democratic opponent for Assembly District 3,

Trina R. Miles, is not actively campaigning. 

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 7

Jarett Gandolfo (R), incumbent

By Sam Desmond

Serving in his role as assemblyman of the 7th District since he was elected in 2020, Jarett Gandolfo said the experience “has been an honor” to represent his constituency. 

As assemblyman, Gandolfo co-sponsored the Suffolk County Water Quality Improvement Act, which will help fund critical sewer and wastewater infrastructure expansion to protect our drinking water and the Great South Bay. 

Additionally, Gandolfo has supported open space preservation, wetland protection, and the Environmental Protection Fund.

Gandolfo secured funding to help the Bayport-Blue Point School District construct a wellness center in the high school, prioritizing student mental health.

Garrett Petersen (D)

By Sam Desmond

Currently, Petersen serves as a clinician at an OPWDD service agency, providing services for people with autism and other developmental disabilities. 

“I have always put people first, and moving my work to the Assembly, in the broadest sense, is an evolution of what I’ve devoted my life to.  We take care of New York’s most vulnerable residents, and they need a voice in Albany who knows the struggles to get the services and care they deserve,” said Petersen.

Petersen and his wife, Irina, rented in Sayville and eventually bought their home in East Islip approximately ten years ago. 

NEW YORK STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 3

Dean Murray (R), incumbent

Dean Murray (R,C) will be running for reelection in the NY Senate 3rd District.

Murray has also recently introduced legislation called Nick’s Law, which would increase the punishment for those that flee the scene of an accident resulting in death, with the hope that it will act as a deterrent to those who think about fleeing so they will stay and call for help.

On a larger scale, Murray said, he is also working with colleagues from both sides of the aisle aimed at creating incentives for local governments and developers to create more housing stock while following all local zoning and ordinances.

He also co-sponsored legislation aimed at raising billions of dollars to protect waterways through the installation of sewers and the replacement of old septic systems with new IA (individual advanced) septic systems.

Murray previously served two separate stints, totaling seven years, in the NYS Assembly, the first time from February 2010 through December 2012 and the second time from January 2015 through December 2018.

A Suffolk businessman for roughly 27 years, Murray founded the Long Island Fugitive Finder magazine and website, partnering with local law enforcement to put hundreds of criminals behind bars. 

Michael Conroy (D)

Michael Conroy is a Manorville resident, former construction worker and labor representative. He is also the former vice chairman of both the Suffolk County Democratic Committee and Brookhaven Town Democratic Committee and the former chairman of the Suffolk County Democratic Committee Screening Committee. He is not actively campaigning.