MEET THE CANDIDATES

Election Day will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Visit https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/ to find your local polling place. Or register to vote at: https://www.ny.gov/services/register-vote.

NEW YORK STATE GOVERNOR

Kathy Hochul (D), Incumbent

Kathy Hochul is currently the 57th Governor of New York State. She was born and raised in Buffalo, N.Y., one of six children. Hochul attended Syracuse University and was a legislative assistant to Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan. In addition, Hochul served on the Hamburg Town Board before becoming Erie County clerk. 

In 2011, Hochul was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in Western New York. In 2014, Hochul was elected Lieutenant Governor of New York State and was reelected in 2018. She is New York’s first female Governor.

According to her campaign Hochul’s priorities are:

• to fight for working families, small businesses and to ensure that New York’s economy emerges from COVID stronger than before

• combating the spread of COVID-19 and affordable healthcare

• keeping communities and families safe, getting illegal guns off of the streets and ensuring the criminal justice system is fairer and more equitable

• protecting reproductive rights

• combating climate change and creating good-paying clean-energy job

• investing in schools

• safe and affordable housing

• modernizing the state’s transportation and infrastructure, keeping public transportation affordable

Lee Zeldin (R)

Lee Zeldin was born and raised on Long Island. He grew up in Suffolk County and graduated from William Floyd High School in Mastic Beach, where his identical twin daughters attend school today. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany and then his law degree from Albany Law School, becoming New York’s youngest attorney at the time at the age of 23. He and his wife, Diana, currently reside in Shirley with their twin fifteen-year-old daughters, Mikayla and Arianna.

Zeldin spent four years on active duty with the U.S. Army after completing ROTC and served in different capacities, including as a military intelligence officer, prosecutor, and military magistrate. In the summer of 2006, while assigned to the Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division, Zeldin deployed to Iraq with an infantry battalion of fellow paratroopers in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2007, he returned to Suffolk County with his family. It was at this time that he transitioned from active duty to the Army Reserve, where he currently serves with the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 2008, he established a successful law practice in Smithtown and was elected to the New York State Senate two years later.

In the state Senate:

• Led the successful effort to repeal the MTA Payroll Tax for 80 percent of employers, a job killing tax that was hurting small businesses.

• Cosponsored the nation’s strongest property tax cap, which became law.

• Reduced middle-income tax rates in New York to the lowest level in 60 years.

• Secured the repeal of the Saltwater Fishing License Fee.

• Created the PFC Joseph Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program to help our returning veterans cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

• Authored the law to protect our fallen veterans and their families from protests at military burials.

Zeldin was then elected to the United States Congress in 2014, representing New York’s First Congressional District, and has won seven consecutive races since 2010 in purple NYC suburban districts, unseating two Democrat incumbents. In Congress he:

• combated and defeating MS-13 on Long Island, leading the charge in New York and nationally against cashless bail, opposing all efforts to defund, dismantle or abolish police, and providing law enforcement the resources they need to fight gang violence and other crimes in our communities, including bulletproof vests.

• secured the repeal of harmful, job killing regulations, with the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, and many other initiatives, to improve our business climate and grow our economy.

• Lead the charge to end all COVID mandates.

• Helped save Plum Island, by securing the repeal of a 2008 federal law requiring the island to be sold off to the highest bidder.

• Delivered a $1.5 billion boost in border security resources, helping to choke off the flow of illegal migration across our borders.

• Introduced and passed into law his Adult Day Health Care legislation for disabled veterans and opening a new health care clinic for East End veterans.

• Secured support of treatment, enforcement, and prevention for those affected by the heroin and opioid abuse crisis.

• Worked with the Army Corps of Engineers to protect the coastlines, advancing the ambitious Fire Island to Montauk Point project, in addition to several other vital projects on the north and south shores of Long Island.

NEW YORK STATE
CONGRESSIONAL SECOND DISTRICT

Andrew Garbarino (R)

A lifelong Long Islander, Garbarino has dedicated his life to family and community.

The proud son of a lawyer and small-business owner, Garbarino went to Sayville High School, where he participated in student government and worked at the local hardware store. As a man of faith, Garbarino received his communion and confirmation at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, where he still attends Mass on Sundays. After high school graduation, Garbarino went on to receive his BA in history and classical humanities from The George Washington University. Garbarino then returned to Long Island, where he received his Juris Doctorate from Hofstra University.

Upon his graduation from law school, Garbarino joined his father at their family law firm in downtown Sayville.

Garbarino’s love and appreciation for his family-oriented community in Long Island inspired him to run for a seat in the New York Assembly, where he served the 7th District for four terms. During his tenure in the Assembly, Garbarino fought to increase state funding for Long Island school districts, protect our island’s environment including the Great South Bay, oppose tax hikes, and support our local heroes in law enforcement.

A proud member of the Sayville Rotary Club and Knights of Columbus, Garbarino has been a leader in his Long Island community following the Rotary Club’s motto, “Service Above Self.”

Garbarino now represents New York’s Second Congressional Districts and fights every day for the hardworking people of Long Island.

Garbarino said that when speaking to voters, their greatest concerns are on crime and the rising cost of living. 

"I will continue to support law enforcement and get more resources in the hands of our local police. I’ll also work toward solutions to lower the high grocery, gas, and home heating oil costs that Long Island families are struggling with. And, as a co-chair of the bipartisan SALT Caucus, I will keep fighting to bring back this much-needed tax deduction," said Garbarino.

Leading the effort to fully fund the World Trade Center Health program, to ensure that 9/11 first responders have access to the health services they need and deserve, is another initiative Garbarino said he was proud to champion.

"I’ve already secured major infrastructure funding to expand sewer access and repair roads like the Southern State and LIE, but there is still much more to get done for my constituents," said Garbarino.

Jackie Gordon (D)

Jackie Gordon is a veteran, an educator, a public servant, and a community leader. She was born in Jamaica, West Indies, and grew up in Queens. While in college and teaching in local schools, she enlisted in the United States Army Reserve. 

Over her 29-year career in the Armed Forces, Gordon served her country overseas as a platoon leader in Germany during Operation Desert Storm, as an operations officer at Guantanamo Bay during the Global War on Terror, as a battle captain in Baghdad during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, and as commander of the 310th Military Police Battalion in Afghanistan in 2012. She retired from the Army Reserve with the rank of lieutenant colonel in 2014.

She has spent over three decades working in New York public schools, and has earned degrees in education from Hunter College and Queens College. As a guidance counselor at Wilson Technological Center in Farmingdale, she mentored and advised Long Island high schoolers, guiding them into productive lives, into college, and into the workforce. 

From 2007 to 2020, she served on the Babylon Town Council, where she worked to direct resources to veterans and military families as chair of the Veterans Advisory Council; pushed for the revitalization of Wyandanch Village, which has breathed new life into the community; and helped raise nearly $1 million for the Wounded Warriors Project through the annual Soldier Ride in Babylon.

Her Platform

Health care: “During a pandemic or not, we need representatives fighting for us in Washington, for our health and to keep more money in Long Islanders’ pockets. In Congress, I will work to make health care more affordable, lower prescription drug costs, and ensure protections for people with pre-existing conditions.”

Education: “I’ve spent over three decades as an educator in New York public schools, teaching and mentoring thousands of our young people. As an educator and as a mom, I believe all of our children deserve access to a high-quality education that prepares them for their future, whether it’s a four-year college or a career and technical school.”

Veterans and military families: “As a veteran, I know the challenges faced by soldiers returning to civilian life, and for military families both during and after their loved one’s deployment. As a member of Congress, I will push to strengthen education, career training, health, and housing assistance for veterans; work with veterans and their families to help them access existing resources; and ensure quality health care through the VA.”

Economy and taxes: “I have always put the people I serve first. As a Babylon Town councilwoman, I worked to strengthen our local economy, improve infrastructure, and breathe new life into our neighborhoods by partnering with small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the community.”

Public safety: “Having served as a military police officer, I know firsthand what it takes to keep people safe. And it is no easy feat. It means getting weapons of war off of our streets and out of our schools.”

Environment: “It is no secret climate change is a threat to our economy and our way of life. In Congress, I will push for a clean energy plan that will blunt the impact of climate change and create jobs on Long Island.”

Pandemic preparedness: “I will push for us to fund and build a national PPE stockpile that we can distribute quickly. And I will fight to increase funding for research and manufacturing so that we can scale up vaccine development and production at a rapid pace and to enhance regulation of dual-use research, no matter the funding source.”

NYS ASSEMBLY SEVENTH DISTRICT

Jarett Gandolfo (R)

A lifelong Long Islander, Gandolfo comes from a blue-collar family; his father was a Long Island Rail Road employee and his mother was a hairdresser. They instilled in him a strong work ethic, emphasized the value of education, and always stressed the importance of family. He began helping out at his grandfather’s small window-treatment shop at a young age.  Throughout high school and college, he worked as a supermarket cashier, as well as a warehouse hand and delivery driver for a grocery wholesale company. He received a B.A. in criminal justice from SUNY Albany, and a master of public administration (MPA) from Villanova University. Gandolfo and his wife, Natalia, are proud residents of Sayville, where they are raising their 15-month-old son, Lenny.

Gandolfo was first elected in November of 2020 to represent the 7th Assembly District, and assumed office on Jan. 1, 2021. Upon taking office, Gandolfo became a prominent critic of Gov. Cuomo’s COVID policies and the use of his emergency powers. He frequently appeared on the national stage to argue against the 10 p.m. curfew imposed on restaurants, as well as to demand accountability for the state’s handling of nursing homes.

Gandolfo continues to emphasize public safety, advocating for the repeal of Cashless Bail and for additional resources for local police. He also places a high priority on environmental protections, supporting the Clean Water Infrastructure Act, wetland protections, and open-space preservation. As gas and grocery prices have spiked, Gandolfo supported the Homeowner Tax Rebate Check program and middle-class tax cuts. And when Gov. Hochul tried to override local zoning laws to force more apartments into the suburbs, Gandolfo fought back and ultimately defeated the proposal.

In our local communities, Gandolfo has delivered funding to complete much-needed projects: a new playground at Academy Elementary in Bayport, major crosswalk improvements in downtown Sayville, and extra funding for the library, and repairs for a veterans’ hall in East Islip. He is also working with the Bayport-Blue Point School District to secure funds for a School Wellness Center at the high school, with offices for a social worker and psychologist. Gandolfo will focus on bringing pedestrian safety improvements to all of the downtown communities within the district, while continuing to push for major infrastructure projects such as fixing the Oakdale Merge and expanding sewer access.

When asked what he would address specifically for The Suffolk County News’s coverage area, Gandolfo said, “I will continue to prioritize public safety so that my constituents can feel safe in their communities, and as they travel to and from work. With the rising cost of living, we also need to find ways to provide real financial relief to Long Islanders—I would support additional tax cuts and rebate checks. There are also a number of major infrastructure projects that I will continue to advocate for, such as fixing the Oakdale Merge and sewer expansion to the eastern part of our district. Sewers would not only be great for our local economy, but would also better protect our drinking water and the Great South Bay.”

Douglas Pearsall (D)

Douglas Pearsall is not actively campaigning

NYS SENATE THIRD DISTRICT

Dean Murray (R)

Dean Murray was born just outside of Washington, D.C., and currently lives in East Patchogue with his two dogs, Lola and Pete.

In 1985, he graduated, with honors, from the Broadcast Institute of Maryland and for the next 10 years, he was involved in all aspects of radio and television news throughout Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York. During that period, he covered the Pennsylvania State Capital for over 100 radio stations and spent 5 years on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Associated Press. While living in Pennsylvania, he played 5 seasons of semi-pro football with the Chambersburg Cardinals and York Lions.

Seeking other opportunities, in 1994, Murray came to Long Island as an advertising sales rep for TCI Cable. In just over a year, he was promoted to regional sales manager serving the Tri-State area. Not being able to completely let go of his love for broadcasting, he periodically filled in doing morning news at WBLI Radio and currently has a regular spot-on LI News Radio’s midday political news show.

In 1997, Murray took the entrepreneurial leap and started his own Advertising Agency – D & S Advertising, Inc. The company published the “Long Island Job Finder” employment newspaper and website and the “Long Island Fugitive Finder” magazine and website. While the publications have ceased, the websites are still active and continue to help Long Islanders.

Murray was first elected to serve in the NYS Assembly in a special election in February of 2010 and was reelected in November of 2010. Following a brief two-year break, the voters returned him to the NYS Assembly in 2015, where he served through 2018. While in the Assembly, he led the fight to repeal the MTA payroll tax, eliminate the saltwater fishing license fee, pass the largest middle class tax cut in decades and adopt the I-STOP program to help fight the serious problem of prescription drug abuse.

Murray is also an active member of several chamber of commerce chapters throughout Suffolk County, served as a board member with the Patchogue Medford Youth & Community Services organization, is a member of the Focus East Patchogue Civic Organization, was a member of the Suffolk County Police Reserves and also served on the Suffolk County Workforce Investment Board.

Murray isn’t the only one in his family that has made a commitment to community and country. He is extremely proud of his son, Anthony Dean Murray, who served six years in the Maryland Air National Guard, completing tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I am running again because I refuse to sit on the sidelines and watch as our great state is falling apart,” Murray said of his return to the ballot. “Over the last few years, under one-party rule, crime continues to rise and spending in Albany has skyrocketed to levels that are completely out of control. As a result, people either can't afford to stay in New York or are too afraid to stay in New York, which is why we lead the nation in out migration. People are fleeing in record numbers to states that are more affordable, safer and offer more opportunities.”

If elected, Murray said he is excited to get to Albany to put a stop to the pro-criminal agenda as well as the tax and spend policies of the current leadership. He also hopes to focus on making New York a more "business-friendly" state where businesses and entrepreneurs are encouraged to succeed. Additionally, he said, he would like to help provide more career training through BOCES, CTE programs, and apprenticeship programs.

“[This will] give our businesses a better trained and qualified local workforce while also offering a lucrative career path for our next generation, so they won't have to pack up and leave for opportunities in other states,” he said.

“I'm asking the voters of the 3rd Senate District to vote for me and send me back to Albany because more than ever, we need experienced leadership. I believe that the combination of my decades of experience as a small-business owner, my years of service in the NYS Assembly, and my 58 years of real-life experience, make me uniquely qualified to help solve many of the problems we are currently facing,” he added, asking the public for their vote.

Farzeen Bham (D)

Farzeen Bham was born and raised in Brookhaven, coming from an immigrant family who looked to find a better life in America. He is currently a student at Stony Brook University and serves as a president's secretary and board member of the Turkish American Religious Foundation.

“I am proud to call this island my home. Public service and helping others have always been a part of my life,” he said of why he decided to run. “After seeing a lack of representation of Long Island's real needs in Albany, I decided to step up, as I’ve done countless times before, to give my community a state senator who will fight for all of their residents.”

His mother is a social worker, which he credits for his love to help people through volunteering. He started his volunteer work by running on the Longwood School Board of Education. He said he ran a positive issue-based campaign to bring representation to the minority community on the board. However, running against incumbents, he lost the election with 850 votes.

He has also been awarded the President’s Volunteer Award by President Biden this year for his volunteer work through nonprofit organizations and religious institutions.

“Seeing President Obama doing that, I always believed public service was the best way to help your community,” he said.

Bham is also the Brookhaven Town Young Democratic chair. In his role, he said, he empowers young adults to get involved in the local party. He also serves as the Suffolk County Community College Ammerman Campus Student Government president.

If elected, he said, he hopes to be an advocate for Long Island to end the years of neglect.

“Our island has become unaffordable,” he said of the problem he sees. “From rising high housing costs to taxes, we need leaders who can stand for our communities.”

He promises to put the community first and help provide tax credits to struggling small businesses who are hurting under the weight of inflation. He also hopes to help provide relief to taxpayers as well as pushing to lower costs for college and trade schools.

“Expanding these programs and making them cost effective will provide opportunities for our young people to gain real careers,” he explained.

Additionally, he said the government needs to provide comprehensive care to the millions of New Yorkers who have none by expanding Medicaid and pushing to pass the NY Health Act.

“If the federal government refuses to step up, we must,” he said. “I am looking to build a coalition of Long Islanders who can stand with me as I fight against the status quo in Albany.”

Bham has been endorsed by the Libertarian Party of Suffolk County.

NYS SENATE FOURTH DISTRICT

Wendy Rodriguez (R)

Wendy Rodriguez is a Guatemalan-American and proud mother of three daughters currently living in Central Islip. With all the odds against her, becoming a mother at the age of 15, Rodriguez said she “has proven that with faith in God, determination, discipline, and courage nothing is impossible.”

At the age of 21, Rodriguez began her entrepreneurship, purchasing the popular franchise Curves, then at 26 created her brand Ultimate Sweat Zone or USZ, a fitness center for women and kids dance studio.

In 2016, she was a featured author of the best-seller, “Today’s Inspired Latina.” In the same year, she founded Fearless Footsteps, a nonprofit organization that raised thousands of dollars for children in Brentwood with the mission to empower young adults and help them find the purpose for which they were created. She worked to help and motivate them to achieve their fullest potential—to build self-esteem, and self-worth, create spiritual relationships and raise mental and health awareness.

Rodriguez has been honored from 2011 to 2018 by different organizations such as the Long Island Chamber of Commerce, which honored her as “Women Business of the Year.” She was also awarded by Mujer Actual Magazine, Latina Exitoso, Latino Star, Queen Courier, Mujeres Sin Limites, and more.

Rodriguez is not only focused on empowering women and young children, but is an active health advocate between the community and Brentwood schools with more than 12 certifications in health, exercise, nutrition, communication, marketing, and branding.

In 2014, Rodriguez founded “Empowering Women TV & Radio” seen on Verizon Fios and heard on 540AM Radio Adonai. She was also the radio host for many shows such as “El Rescate Del Día”, and “La Gozadera del Media Día,” heard on 98.5 La Fiesta, and was the CEO and presenter for the show “Brillando Sin Limites,” which was broadcasted on 463 Verizon Fios. Currently, she is now hosting her radio show “Wendy Rodriguez Live” on Latinomixx featured Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m.

She also has made her way with commitment to helping families on Long Island achieve the American dream of home ownership as a licensed realtor with Keller Williams Realty Elite based in Massapequa. She founded her real estate team “Team Heavenly,” which includes her two eldest daughters, hoping to help families, as a family.

“I am not a politician—I am a mom, a business owner, and a community advocate,” she said of why people should vote for her.

Her platform is to bring safety back to the local community affected by violent crime. She hopes to help remove the gangs from the streets while also helping fight inflation. She said she is for the home tax credits and other relief programs to help homeowners and offset the spike in utility costs. She also wants to help bring apprenticeships to high schools to get students working with their hands.

“There are so many avenues to help break the poverty cycle,” she said. “These kids are just looking for a hand up.”

She said she is running because her community needs a change.

“I am a hard worker willing to make the change to unite our district,” she said, noting she lives, works, and worships in the district. “[I am] running for family, faith and freedom.”

Monica Martinez (D)

Monica Martinez is a Brentwood High School alumna and a graduate of Binghamton University, having earned a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in biology and history in 1999.

She later attended New York University, obtaining a master’s degree in Secondary education with a concentration in social studies and her administrative degree from Stony Brook University in 2008. In 2010, Martinez was selected to lead the administration of Brentwood’s East Middle School as assistant principal, where she dedicated much of her time enriching the lives of her students.

Martinez began her career in government as county legislator for Suffolk County’s Ninth Legislative District in 2014, where she served for five years. During her time as a legislator, she championed legislation to support women’s and children’s rights, funded numerous anti-gang/anti-violence programs, and advocated for animal rights. She established the first Suffolk County Child Care Commission and worked to secure a $125K grant for a STEM research program and raised awareness towards toxic illegal dumping that was occurring in Brentwood and Central Islip.

In her first legislative session, she was the prime sponsor of 80 pieces of legislation, of which 19 have been signed into law. Martinez cosponsored important environmental legislation such as the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and the Child Safe Products Act.

When asked why she is running for state Senate, Martinez said, “I’m proud of the accomplishments made as a NYS senator: securing more funding from the state for local school districts, passing common-sense gun safety legislation that expands background checks and protects our children in schools, passing the Reproductive Health Act to protect Roe v. Wade, important environmental legislation to protect our drinking water, our bays and waterways. But there’s more to be done, so I’m running again to continue the work for the residents of the 4th District.”

NYS SENATE EIGHTH DISTRICT

Alexis Weik (R), Incumbent

Born and raised on Long Island, Sen. Alexis Weik is currently raising her family on the South Shore. She was elected to the 3rd Senate District in 2020 and is now running in the redrawn 8th district. Weik earned her degree from Dowling College and served three terms as Islip’s receiver of taxes. As a member of a Suffolk County and NYPD police family, Weik is passionate about standing up for law enforcement. She noted that her experience working in various levels of government allows her to help as many residents as possible.

“I think I proved it when I was a receiver of taxes; I’m a pretty good listener and I have a good track record for listening to my constituents and working with multiple levels of government,” Weik said. “I worked for the county at one point, I worked under Legis. Tom Cilmi for six months before I went to the town. So, I now have town, county, and state experience. So, I can assist people with making sure they get the help they need, and I know what resources are available. In the times we live in right now, that’s half the battle. We’re connecting our residents with the resources that are available to them.”

Weik said that after knocking on doors for her campaign, residents still see crime in the community as their No. 1 concern.

“People are looking to bring back safety into our community supporting our law enforcement and making sure we repeal all the dangerous anti-law enforcement bills that are out there,” Weik said.

The No. 2 issue Weik said her constituents care about is affordability.

“When I was receiver of taxes, the taxes were too high.” she said.

One of Weik’s passion projects over her term has been the environment.

“I’ve been focused a lot on the environment and protecting our shoreline and making sure that we try to revitalize wetlands and we focus on environmental issues, like planting native plants and really doing everything we can to restore our shorelines and preserve this beautiful South Shore,” Weik said. 

John ALberts (D)

John Alberts is not actively campaigning.

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY THIRD DISTRICT

Joe DeStefano (R), Incumbent

Incumbent assemblyman Joe DeStefano said he is dedicated to making his community a better, safer place and has devoted his life to serving his neighbors by running for another term.

His public service career started in 1980 when he volunteered with the Medford Fire Department, and he has been answering calls ever since. For the past 27 years, he’s served as a fire district Commissioner, having also held the positions of fire police lieutenant, 2nd lieutenant, department recording secretary, department vice president, and department president. He’s also served with the Medford Volunteer Ambulance for the last 38 years.

DeStefano was a public safety communication supervisor in the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, where he managed the day-to-day operations of the dispatchers as well as supervised radio communications and other vital functions for 27 years. He was the unit president of the Sheriff’s/Probation Civilian Unit, representing more than 200 Suffolk County Association of Municipal Employees members.

The Suffolk County Fire District Officers’ Association named him “Commissioner of the Year” in 2017 and over the years, he’s held numerous other roles, including Suffolk County Fire District Officers’ Association secretary and treasurer, Brookhaven Town Fire Districts president, and regional director, secretary, and treasurer of the New York State Association of Fire Districts.

DeStefano is a 1978 graduate of Patchogue-Medford High School and earned an associate degree in business management from Suffolk Community College. He is a longtime member of the Medford Civic Association and the Medford Chamber of Commerce and was the district manager of the Riverhead Fire District and is a life member of both the Medford Fire Department and Ambulance company.

Now representing the people of central Brookhaven Township, he said he fights for safer neighborhoods, stronger communities, and preserving the property tax cap while pushing Albany to curb spending. He is also a proud supporter of fire services, law enforcement, and the military.

DeStefano was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 2018. A resident of the 3rd Assembly District for more than 50 years, DeStefano and his wife, Linda, have two children and one grandchild. His district includes the communities of Bellport, Brookhaven, East Patchogue, Coram, Farmingville, Gordon Heights, Mastic/Shirley, Medford, Middle Island, and Ridge.

“I’m running for reelection to continue my long career of service to my community,” he said, referencing his long list of community service “I guess you can say that public service is in my blood.”

If reelected, he said, he is looking to continue the fight to make the local communities safer by repealing the new bail laws, supporting the men and women of law enforcement and emergency services, and stopping the “defund the police” movement. He also hopes to lead the fight against wasteful government spending, high taxes, and inflation. 

“When it comes to reducing crime and making our area more affordable, I believe I’m on the right side of the issues residents care about the most,” he said. “In addition, I pride myself on my office’s constituent services. People call asking for our help and we do everything we can to assist them.”

During his time in office, he said he is proud to have been a voice against the pro-criminal, anti-police atmosphere and for pushing hard to reopen New York after the COVID lockdown. Additionally, he said, he was happy to be a part of getting the library annex project off the ground in Medford.

Trina Miles (D)

Trina Miles is not actively campaigning.

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY FIRST DISTRICT

Fred W. Thiele (D), Incumbent

Fred Thiele is a lifelong resident of Sag Harbor, where he currently lives with his wife NancyLynn. He has three children and three grandchildren.

He is a 1971 graduate of Pierson High School and attended Cornell University and is a 1976 graduate of Southampton College of Long Island University. In 1979, he received his law degree from Albany Law School. In 1980, he was admitted to the Bar in the State of New York.

He began his career in government service in 1975 after he was selected by his college to participate in the New York State Assembly Intern Program. Upon graduation from law school in 1979, he became counsel to then-assemblyman John Behan of Montauk. From 1982–1987, he was Southampton Town Attorney.  In 1987, he was elected to the Suffolk County Legislature. In 1991, Thiele was elected as an Independent to serve as Southampton Town supervisor. In 1995, he was then elected to the New York State Assembly to fill the seat vacated by assemblyman John Behan. Thiele is currently serving his 13th term in the New York State Assembly.  Thiele has also been very involved in transportation with a focused on affordable housing. He also serves as the chairman of the Assembly Local Governments Committee and serves as a member of the Rules Committee, Environmental Conservation Committee, Oversight, Analysis and Investigation Committee, and Transportation Committee.

Peter Ganley (R)

Peter Ganley was born and raised on Long Island and is a Southold Town resident. He has worked in the District Office of congressman Lee Zeldin assisting with both press and constituent services. He has also spent the majority of his adult life working to elect conservative leaders on Long Island and is an advocate for smarter government on the local, state and federal level. He currently serves as treasurer for the Southold Town Republican Committee.

“With rising crime, rampant corruption, and the highest taxes in America, it’s clear New York State is leading in all the wrong categories. We need new leadership in Albany to get back on the right track,” his platform reads.

If elected, he hopes to implement a four-term limit on all elected officials in New York, increase public safety, safeguard the environment and cut taxes.