The candidates:
In 2020, Thiele defeated Heather Collins, a Republican, by a vote of 40,689 to 29,133.
Thiele served as a Suffolk County Legislator from 1988 to 1991, a Southampton Town Supervisor from 1992 to 1995, and a New York State Assemblyman from 1995 to the present.
“My career has been dedicated to improving the quality of life in the East End of Long Island. For example, I wrote the Peconic Bay Community Preservation Fund, which has protected more than 10,000 acres of land throughout the East End. I want to continue their work especially in the areas of environment, water quality, public transport, affordable housing and education,” he said.
Ganley, of Cutchogue, who previously served on Rep. Lee Zeldin's staff, spoke to Patch about his reasons for running. “I'm running for New York Assembly to improve and protect my community. I'm running to be an independent voice and advocate for the East End of Long Island. I'm running to reduce reckless taxes and spending, preserve and protect our environment, increase public safety, eliminate cashless bail, implement term limits and change the culture of corruption in Albany.”
Assembly District 1 covers the East End towns of East Hampton, Southampton, Shelter Island and Center Moriches, as well as some of eastern Brookhaven Town.
