Choosing their slate for the November election, Suffolk’s Democrats left an unsettled question: Who will run against first-term Congressman Nick LaLota? The party is going to let voters decide in a June 25 primary.
Five candidates expressed an interest in the federal seat, appearing on a list released by the party, but three have dropped out, leaving the contest between Nancy Goroff, a former Stony Brook University Chemistry Deferment chair who vied for the seat in 2020, and former CNN political analyst John Avlon. Suspending their campaigns were state Sen. James Gaughran, Kyle Hill, and Craig Herskowitz.
While the Suffolk Republicans selected their candidates at a traditional nominating convention at the Smithtown Elks Lodge, the Democrats bypassed the process and began circulating petitions with the names already chosen, reported County Committee Chairman Rich Schaffer. The party will have its work cut out for them, with the majority of their candidates running up against GOP incumbents.
An open seat up for grabs is the 1st Assembly District post held by Fred Thiele, who is retiring after 30 years in the legislature. The Democrats have put up Southampton Town Councilman Tommy John Schiavone vs. Shelter Island attorney Stephen Kiely. They’re also looking to hold onto the 5th Senate District seat held by Monica Martinez, who is facing a challenge by small business owner and registered nurse Dr. Teresa Bryant.
Other races involving Democrat incumbents are Assemblyman Steve Stern vs. Dix Hills computer scientist Aamir Sultan in the 10th District and Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre vs. retired New York City Police Lieutenant Commander Joseph Cardinale in the 11th District.
Races to also watch are the battle between Robert Lubin of Lindenhurst, who is going after 2nd District Congressman Andrew Garbarino, and former Suffolk Legislator Sarah Anker of Mt. Sinai against state Senator Anthony Palumbo.
Statewide, the Democrats are rallying around U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who is facing a challenge from retired New York City Police detective Mike Sapraicone of Seaford. Gillibrand has been in the Senate since 2009.
The Democrat slate for 2024:
Nancy S. Goroff, Representative in Congress, 1st Congressional District
John P. Avlon, Representative in Congress, 1st Congressional District
Robert M Lubin, Representative in Congress, 2nd Congressional District
Sarah S. Anker, State Senator, 1st Senate District
Craig G. Herskowitz, State Senator, 2nd Senate District
Michael L. Conroy, State Senator, 3rd Senate District
Monica R. Martinez, State Senator, 4th Senate District
Jack C. Loubier, State Senator, 8th Senate District
Thomas J. Schiavoni, Member of Assembly, 1st Assembly District
Tricia L. Chiaramonte, Member of Assembly, 2nd Assembly District
Matthew C. Jennings, Member of Assembly, 3rd Assembly District
Skyler Q. Johnson, Member of Assembly, 4th Assembly District
Rebecca A. Kassay, Member of Assembly, 4th Assembly District
Joseph G. Hagelmann, Member of Assembly, 5th Assembly District
Philip R. Ramos, Member of Assembly, 6th Assembly District
Garrett J. Petersen, Member of Assembly, 7th Assembly District
Steven P. Basileo, Member of Assembly, 8th Assembly District
Steven J. DellaVecchia, Member of Assembly, 9th Assembly District
Steve Stern, Member of Assembly, 10th Assembly District
Kimberly Jean-Pierre, Member of Assembly, 11th Assembly District
Robert Lopez, Member of Assembly, 12th Assembly District