SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — Voters headed to the polls Tuesday to decide who would win the race for the 1st Congressional District seat, choosing between incumbent Rep. Nick LaLota (R) and challenger John Avlon (D).
And, when the ballots were counted, LaLota declared victory and the seat remained red.
LaLota issued the following statement “after election officials determined it was mathematically certain that LaLota would maintain his lead and win a second term representing New York's First District in Washington,” a release said.
“I am honored that the people of Long Island have trusted me to serve in Congress for another two years. Our landslide victory reflects our commitment to tackling our nation's toughest challenges, from securing the border and fighting high prices to raising the SALT rebate cap,” LaLota said. million in Suffolk County. I'm ready to return to Washington and continue to represent every family, every business and every community in this region.”
According to unofficial results from the Suffolk County Board of Elections, with 16 precincts still to be reported, Lalota led with 55.66 percent, or 215,678 votes, to Avlon's 44.28 percent and 171,556 votes.
The race was one of the most eagerly watched this election season. the swing seat may determine which party controls the House of Representatives when the dust settles.
After redistricting, New York's 1st Congressional District includes both the North and South Forks, Riverhead, the northern part of Brookhaven, all of Smithtown, and all of Huntington.
Before the vote, LaLota told Patch, “I'm running for re-election to Congress because New York's First District needs a fighter who can secure the border, fight inflation, show independence from his party and put always Long Island first. I'm committed to delivering real results for Long Island families, to strengthening our national security, and to making sure our government works for the people. To fight for a strong military, secure borders, and a stronger economy , I'm focused on lowering taxes, creating good-paying jobs and securing critical funding for our communities — building on the $150 million I secured in my first term Islanders deserve a representative who puts results over rhetoric and people over politics, and that's exactly what I will continue to do in Washington.”
