On Tuesday night, Long Island witnessed a triumphant victory for Republicans as Ed Romaine defeated Democrat Dave Calone to secure the Suffolk County executive position, marking the first time in two decades that a Republican has claimed this office. Romaine’s substantial win, capturing 56% of the vote with a commanding 26,000-vote margin, was hailed as a political earthquake by former Senator Al D’Amato.
The victory further solidifies Republican dominance in the eastern part of Long Island, where the party already holds all countywide seats in Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as all four congressional seats. Former Representative Lee Zeldin, often credited with playing a pivotal role in New York’s “red wave,” celebrated Romaine’s win as an enormous flip on social media.
Political analysts attribute the ongoing Republican success in Long Island to concerns over escalating crime rates and a backlash against liberal calls to defund the police. Romaine’s triumph underscores the region’s rejection of progressive policies, contributing to the GOP’s stronghold in the area.
Addressing his supporters on Tuesday night, Romaine acknowledged the substantial mandate he received and expressed his commitment to leveraging it to propel the county forward. The Republican victory on Long Island adds to the momentum of the broader “red wave” observed in the region over the past few years.
In a statement, New York GOP Chairman Ed Cox highlighted the party’s strong showing, emphasizing that, for the third consecutive year, Republicans achieved success by defeating incumbents and securing upset victories across the state. Cox noted that Long Island has emerged as a Republican bastion, further solidifying its position in New York’s political landscape.
Take a look at this post:
🚨 Suffolk County just elected its first GOP County Executive in DECADES, @EdRomaine. This is an enormous flip of a Long Island suburb from blue to red! pic.twitter.com/dPMiFYKd3K
— Lee Zeldin (@LeeMZeldin) November 8, 2023
