Democrat Candidate For Brookhaven Supervisor Withdraws From Race

The Brookhaven political world was thrown a curve last week with the announcement that the Democrat candidate for town supervisor, former Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant, has withdrawn from the race.

“I have been dealing with a health issue that requires me to take some time off from my public duties and focus on my recovery,” Garant said in a message to her supporters. “After much thought and consultation with my doctors and my family, I have decided to withdraw from the race for Brookhaven Town Supervisor.”

The Democrats are looking to replace Garant on their ticket with Lillian D. Clayman, another Port Jefferson resident and adjunct professor of labor and industrial relations at SUNY Old Westbury. “In accordance with Section 6- 148 of New York's Election Law, the Suffolk County Democratic Committee's Committee on Vacancies has made the selection of Lillian D. Clayman to run for Brookhaven Town Supervisor,” Town Democrat Chairman Anthony Poretsy said. “We thank Lillian for stepping up to carry on the battle that Margot started.”

“We wish Margot a speedy recovery,” said Brookhaven GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia. “As for the supervisor’s race, I’m not really sure what procedure they are using to withdraw and replace her on the ballot since the declination period has already passed.”

Election officials noted that there are only three ways Garant can get off the November ballot: she can move out of state, pass away, or receive a nomination for a supreme court judgeship.

Lillian Clayman, the Democratic Party nominee for Brookhaven Town Supervisor. Lillian Clayman

“This was not an easy decision,” Garant said. “Public service has been the honor of a lifetime and my love for Port Jefferson and Brookhaven knows no bounds. I have been honored to serve as the Port Jefferson mayor for 14 years and I was ecstatic about the possibility of bringing my experience from Village Hall to Town Hall in the race for town supervisor.”

Brookhaven Town Councilman Daniel Panico, the Republican candidate for town supervisor to succeed Edward Romaine, who is running for county executive, said, “I wish Margot the very best for a speedy and full recovery.”

Margot J. Garant, former Port Jefferson Mayor and Candidate for Town Supervisor. Margot Garant

“It is with great sorrow that I announce to you that Margot Garant has to step down from her campaign for Brookhaven Town Supervisor due to a health issue,” Porestsy said in a statement. “I ask that you give Margot and her family their privacy during this time and refrain from the devil of curiosity.”

“I ask for your understanding and respect for my privacy as I take care of myself and my family during this time,” Garant said. “I appreciate your thoughts and prayers.”

Clayman, a three-time mayor of Hamden, Conn., served as chair of the town Democratic committee from 2016-2020. “I wish my dear friend Margot Garant a speedy recovery,” she said. “I am delighted to join a slate of Democratic candidates who are committed to making Brookhaven a forward-looking, honestly governed community.”

Garant served as mayor of Port Jefferson from 2009 until July of this year. She was succeeded by trustee Lauren Sheprow.`

“Dan Panico is running on a strong set of accomplishments including making Brookhaven more affordable and safer for our families, a place where good-paying jobs are available, while at the same time protecting our quality of life and sensitive environment,” Garcia said.