Republican Andrew Garbarino will keep New York’s 2nd Congressional District red — a seat that was formerly occupied by GOP stalwart Rep. Peter King.
Garbarino, a lawyer and small-business owner who also served as an assemblyman in local government, was able to get past Jackie Gordon, a former Babylon, New York, councilwoman and a military veteran, with King’s assistance. The vote was 56.4% to 42.6%, with Green Party candidate Harry Berger also picking up 1%. The Associated Press has not called the race for Garbarino as of Monday morning, even though Gordon has conceded.
“I am honored and excited to succeed Congressman Peter King and represent New York’s 2nd Congressional District in Washington,” he said in a statement last Wednesday. “In addition to supporting small businesses and fighting to lower taxes, I look forward to working with our brave law enforcement to keep communities safe, fighting to preserve our environment, supporting our veterans, and delivering real results for Long Island families.”
Republicans, with the help of King, were able to hold on to this seat despite beliefs that party demographic changes within the district would be advantageous for Democrats. Leading up to the election, Democrats viewed the district as an opportunity to increase their majority in the House after King’s margin of victory fell dramatically between the 2016 and 2018 elections. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee poured resources into Gordon’s campaign through its “Red to Blue” program.
Garbarino, a lifelong Long Islander, has served four terms in the New York State Assembly. His victory is another in a tough election cycle for Democrats and one that saw Republicans making up ground in the House, though they are still in the minority.
“From the beginning, our campaign has been focused on rejecting division and extremism, exemplifying inclusion, and improving the lives of hardworking Long Islanders here on the South Shore. I am deeply humbled by the support and encouragement we have received from voters who share our vision. Although we were not victorious, this race was history for so many reasons,” Gordon said in her concession statement.
