Democrats score major wins on L.I.; Republicans retain seats in East Meadow races

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Unofficial results Tuesday night are indicating a Democratic-leaning trend across some Long Island races. Locally, Republicans maintained seats in state offices and the Nassau County legislature.

U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen won re-election to a second term representing New York’s 4th Congressional District, defeating Republican challenger Jeanine Driscoll. Gillen campaigned on lowering costs for Long Island families, improving infrastructure and public safety, and continuing to work across party lines to deliver federal resources to her district.

“This campaign reflected every corner and community of our wonderfully diverse 4th Congressional District, and tonight we all celebrate this victory,” Gillen said Tuesday night in New Hyde Park. “…We were able to reach voters and remind them that they don’t have to accept the crushing cost of living and corruption in their government as the status quo.”

Joe Scianablo declared victory on Tuesday, defeating Republican incumbent John Ferretti to become the next Town of Hempstead supervisor. Scianablo, a veteran, former New York City police officer and attorney, campaigned on reducing wasteful spending and increasing government transparency.

“Let’s be clear, we see what’s going on in this country,” Scianablo said. “The voters decided that enough is enough. They’re sick and tired of the nonsense that’s going on in the Town of Hempstead.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul won re-election, securing another term as New York’s governor over Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman. Hochul campaigned on lowering household costs, expanding affordable housing and child care, strengthening public safety and opposing President Donald Trump’s federal policies.

Hochul addressed reporters in New York City on Tuesday night, saying she had spoken with Blakeman, after he conceded the race.

“I will always partner with him to deliver for the people of Nassau County,” she said. “Whenever Nassau County needs its governor, I will be there because the people we serve deserve no less.”

Republican State Sen. Steve Rhoads won re-election in the 5th Senate District, defeating Democratic challenger Andrew Piddoubny. Rhoads campaigned on limiting state spending growth, reducing income taxes, strengthening public safety laws and expanding educational benefits for volunteer first responders.

Republican Assemblyman John Mikulin won re-election in the 17th Assembly District, defeating Democratic challenger Sunita Lofters. Mikulin, who has represented the district since 2018, campaigned on strengthening criminal penalties, opposing restrictions on cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities, and increasing transparency in the state budget process.

At the county level, Republican Nassau County Legislator Tom McKevitt won re-election in the 13th Legislative District, defeating challenger Christina Lemyre. McKevitt campaigned on maintaining county services without raising taxes, strengthening public safety, preserving Nassau University Medical Center and improving county infrastructure.