Suffolk County Republicans have once again nominated State Assemblyman Joe DeStefano to run for reelection, backing the Medford Republican for a fifth term representing the 3rd Assembly District.
DeStefano secured the nomination at the party’s convention at GOP headquarters in Medford, where committee members gathered to finalize their slate for federal, state and county races.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to have been nominated by the Suffolk County Republican Party to run for a fifth term in the New York State Assembly,” DeStefano said in a statement. He thanked Suffolk GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia and party members “for your faith and confidence in me,” adding that their support “means a great deal.”
DeStefano also offered a personal note of appreciation to Maria Polak, a longtime friend who placed his name in nomination at the convention. “Maria’s friendship and unwavering support over the decades is something I treasure, and I am truly humbled by her kind words,” he said.
As he prepares to return to Albany for the 2026 legislative session, DeStefano said his campaign will focus on affordability, public safety and energy policy. He criticized what he described as “reckless spending and city-centric policies” that have driven up costs for Long Island families and pledged to fight for tax relief, including eliminating state sales tax on gasoline and household supplies and enacting a true state spending cap.
He also vowed to push for repeal of the state’s cashless bail laws and to oppose elements of New York’s climate agenda that he argues increase energy costs and threaten reliability. In addition, DeStefano said he would continue opposing the MTA payroll tax and congestion pricing while advocating for infrastructure improvements, including repairs to State Route 25 in Brookhaven. “New York leads the nation in out-migration. That must stop,” he said, pledging to protect law-abiding residents and restore balance in Albany.
In addition to DeStefano, the Suffolk County GOP nominated Daniel Losquadro for County Comptroller; Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo for the 8th State Senate District; DawnMarie Kuhn for the 7th Assembly District; Brianne Wakefield for the 4th State Senate District; State Senators Anthony Palumbo for the 1st Senate District and Mario Mattera for the 2nd Senate District; Stephen Kiely for the 1st Assembly District; Will Sussman for the 4th Assembly District; Joseph Cardinale for the 11th Assembly District; Dave Weber for the 12th Assembly District; Jodi Giglio for the 1st Assembly District; Doug Smith for the 5th Assembly District; Michael Fitzpatrick for the 8th Assembly District; Michael Durso for the 9th Assembly District; Rep. Nick LaLota for reelection in his Congressional district; Representative Andrew Garbarino for reelection in his Congressional district; Mike LiPetri for the 3rd Congressional District; and Vincent Puleo for reelection as Suffolk County Clerk.