Staff Reports
In a significant victory for the Republican Party, Long Island saw a surge in Republican candidates’ success during the recent elections. This success comes as the party built on previous victories in 2021 and 2022, solidifying their position in the region. One of the highlights of the election night was Ed Romaine’s historic win, making him the first Republican to be elected as the head of Suffolk County, New York, in the past two decades. Romaine secured this victory by defeating Democrat David Calone in the race for county executive, according to a report by the New York Post.
Republicans continue to make inroads near major blue city after strong election performance https://t.co/YGnPQUbsZT
— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) November 8, 2023
The wins for Republicans didn’t stop there. With the flipping of two congressional seats in 2022, the GOP now controls the entirety of Long Island’s congressional delegation. Additionally, the party secured the election for executive in Nassau County, the other county that comprises Long Island, in 2021. County executives in New York have crucial responsibilities, including tax collection, infrastructure maintenance, and providing services to their constituents, as reported by The New York Times.
Romaine’s campaign focused on key issues such as increasing the number of police officers, combating illegal immigration in Suffolk County, and fighting against cashless bail laws. And the voters responded positively, with Romaine earning approximately 57% of the vote, while his opponent secured just 42.9%, as reported by Newsday. This victory represents a significant shift from the 2019 elections, where the Republican nominee only garnered 43.3% of the vote, according to the Suffolk County Board of Elections.
Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman captured the sentiment of many voters, stating, “This is a repudiation. This is a backlash against policies dictated by New York City Democrats that have gone too far to the left. Suburban and rural voters have had enough,” in an interview with the New York Post. The resentment towards the policies of the Democrat-run government is not limited to Long Island. Recent polling in New York City suggests that residents are dissatisfied with how the government is handling the influx of migrants. One poll by Siena College revealed that 41% of New Yorkers supported the construction of a border wall, as reported by the New York Post.
Furthermore, the Republican Party’s success extended beyond Romaine’s victory. The party also triumphed in several municipal elections and expanded its control over Suffolk County’s legislature, securing a veto-proof majority by picking up an additional seat. Republicans also maintained their majority in Nassau County’s legislature, as reported by Newsday. The GOP even had a successful night in New York City itself, defending all their city council seats and gaining one in the Bronx, according to the New York Times.
Overall, Long Island proved to be a stronghold for the Republican Party during these elections, showcasing their growing influence and appeal to voters in the region. These victories highlight the frustration with the policies of New York City Democrats, particularly around immigration issues, and the desire for a more conservative and robust approach to governance. With such success, Republicans have set the stage for further gains and influence in the future.
