In Long Island’s 1st Congressional District, incumbent Nick LaLota (R,C) defeated former CNN anchor John Avlon (D, WFP), 55.7% to 44.3%.
“I’m so thankful for every one of you,” the congressman spoke from the Suffolk County Republican Headquarters stage in Patchogue.
“You’ve trusted me, you’ve placed your trust in me. And I’m going to take another oath of office here in just a couple weeks back in Washington D.C. so I can keep fighting for you," he added.
The decorated Navy vet who first helped his Republican brethren take back the House in his inaugural 2022 campaign boasted his high clip for bill passage and stressed the demand for a more secure border and the return of the SALT tax deduction before thanking his family for their unwavering support as well.
Meanwhile, unlike the party’s top dog on the fly, LaLota’s Democratic sparring mate this go around John Avlon went out with his boots on — in his concession speech last night, he told those on hand in Holtsville: “We fought the good fight. Not every good fight wins the first time. The good fight never ends, the good fight is perpetual.”
"What we're facing in Suffolk County tonight isn't the outcome we wanted,” Avlon added. “It's a hard night in Suffolk County for us Democrats. It's a hard night for many Democrats in the country. But the fight continues."
Republican Legislator Kevin McCaffrey out of Suffolk’s 14th District commended his local party men for pouring out to the polls. “People couldn’t wait to come out and vote,” he said. “The early numbers for Republicans are off the chart.”
Less than a day later, this rings especially true—considering the unlikely comeback staged on the national front.
But, in New York-1, there was never any doubt.