NEW YORK (TIP): Long Island’s two Democratic U.S. House members are raising millions of dollars to fuel their 2026 campaigns in competitive districts, while the latest campaign finance reports show little activity by any foes, says a Newsday report
With more than a year to go before the next elections, the Island’s two Republican congressmen also have been building their war chests since January, new Federal Election Commission filings show.
“Raising in the off year is an integral part of campaigning. Now is the time where members can stockpile cash without spending heavily, and that’s especially true in such an expensive media market,” said Jacob Rubashkin, deputy editor of Inside Elections, a nonpartisan political handicapper of races for House and Senate seats.
Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) has hauled in the most so far among Long Islanders in the House. His campaign committee collected $2.4 million from January through Sept. 30, the 46th highest incumbent dollar total in the 435-seat House this year.
Overall, more than $3.8 million now sits in Suozzi’s campaign coffers, including money he already had, and after spending or disbursing more than $585,000 this year. That cash-on-hand amount also is the highest among the Long Island House members.
No reports have been filed outlining fundraising amounts by any potential challengers for New York’s 3rd Congressional District, from either party.
Freshman Rep. Laura Gillen (D-Rockville Centre) is viewed by several nonpartisan political handicappers as among the most vulnerable House incumbents from either party, nationally. She has raised more than $2 million since January — the 66th highest amount in the House.
More than $1.54 million now sits in her campaign coffers, after spending or distributing $480,485 this year.
Another Democrat running for Gillen’s 4th Congressional District seat, Gian Jones, reported no fundraising since January but showed $9,582 in his war chest and $2,348 in loans owed. A third Democrat, Nicholas Jude Sciretta, reported collecting $7. The FEC did not immediately have fundraising information posted or processed from two others, Brian Miller and Dennis Joseph McGrath, both Republicans.
Across the aisle, Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) reported raising $1.73 million this year through Sept. 30, the 91st highest amount in the House. LaLota’s main campaign committee spent or disbursed $350,250, and he reported having $2.05 million on hand.
Two Democrats running for New York’s 1st Congressional District seat held by LaLota also filed reports. Christopher Gallant reported raising $222,832 and has $134,950 cash on hand. Democrat Lukas Ventouras reported taking in $19,312, including in a loan of $3,800.
Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) reported raising $1.27 million this year — the 145th highest total in the House. His committee reported having $1.9 million in the bank, after expenditures.
Former Suffolk County Executive Patrick Halpin, a Democrat who is running to seize New York’s 2nd Congressional District seat, reported raising $218,948 and having $171,797 on hand. Another Democrat, Josh Taveras, reported raising $1,105 and having $187 on hand.
While neither Suozzi nor Gillen have significant GOP opposition yet, Rubashkin said both eventually will.
(Source: Newsday)
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