On November 6, Republican Nicholas LaLota was re-elected over Democrat John Avlon to continue as New York’s 1st congressional district representative. The first congressional district is a congressional district on Long Island that includes the eastern two thirds of Suffolk County.
LaLota successfully defended his seat, winning 56% of votes compared to challenger Avlon’s 44%. LaLota’s campaign focused on ideas such as bolstering national security by increasing border security to prevent harmful substances from entering the U.S. and economic ideas such as lowering inflation and taxes and reducing the rising prices of gas and groceries. Breaking with many in his party, he also campaigned on supporting access to abortion. During his campaign he stated, “Suffolk County wants a common-sense conservative who tells the truth on the issues that matter.”
Avlon also discussed ideas relating to issues with inflation and taxes, national security, and abortion laws, saying that reproductive health decisions should be up to the individual woman and her faith. He also put a heavy emphasis on foreign policy, defending democracy, and combating digital disinformation. “We also need to reinvest in civic education to teach students about the rights and responsibilities of being a citizen in a self-governing society,” Avalon stated on his website.
During LaLota’s victory speech he said, “As an officer in the finest Navy, I’ve been proud to take a number of oaths. And I took an oath two years ago to serve as your representative in congress. I’m fired up to go back to Washington and take another oath to fight for you.”
During Avlon’s concession speech he stated, “We fought a good fight. Not every good fight wins the first time. The good fight never ends, the good fight is perpetual,” indicating this is not the end of politics for him.
