Troiano defeats Corbin in Democratic primary

Nassau County Legislator Roger Corbin lost his bid for re-election on Sept. 15 after Town of North Hempstead Councilman Robert Troiano had a landslide victory in the 2nd Legislative District's Democratic primary.

According to the county Board of Elections, Troiano won more than two-thirds of the vote in the predominately Democratic and minority district. The final tally was Troiano 1,464 votes, Corbin 831.

"This win is not about me because it's about the people and they are the real winners here," Troiano said just minutes after his victory at his campaign headquarters in Westbury. "I just want to thank the voters for all of their support and for giving my campaign the opportunity to bring change in this district."

Troiano's Democratic challenge came after a group of district residents collected more than 1,400 petition signatures to have his name added to the primary ballot. Troiano said the grassroots support — along with his desire to bring a change in leadership to the diverse district — encouraged him to compete in the primary.

The 2nd L.D. encompasses Lakeview, portions of West Hempstead, East Meadow, Hempstead, Westbury and New Cassel, among other areas.

"Although many people said it was impossible, residents in the district banned together and successfully collected enough petition signatures in only 13 days," the longtime Westbury resident added. "The people spoke then and they spoke tonight and I'm really looking forward to representing the residents of this district."

During his remarks at his headquarters last Tuesday, Troiano noted that many people told him he could not win the race, primarily because Corbin has represented the 2nd L.D. for seven consecutive terms. He added, however, that he remained optimistic that voters would embrace his message of "bringing new leadership" to the district and choose him to represent them.