Reporter endorsements for Election 2026

ASSEMBLY

In the 1st Assembly District, Republican Stephen Kiely, a former Shelter Island Town Attorney, brings extensive municipal-law experience. His interest in converting vacant commercial buildings into housing addresses how communities might add homes without developing more open land. His municipal-law background includes work in Southold, Southampton, Brookhaven as well as Shelter Island, giving him firsthand experience with the challenges facing East End governments.

Democratic incumbent Tommy John Schiavoni also identified home rule as a priority. The former teacher and East End town official said he opposed this year’s changes to the State environmental-review process. The enacted changes allow certain qualifying projects to bypass additional environmental review, but do not eliminate local zoning.

Mr. Schiavoni’s first-term record includes support for septic-system assistance and State infrastructure funding. He also co-sponsored legislation increasing the income-tax credit for eligible volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. That measure was signed into law this month.

The editorial board has selected Tommy John Schiavoni for a second term.

STATE SENATE

In the 1st Senate District, Democrat Chris Murray brings experience in higher education and environmental advocacy to his challenge against Republican incumbent Anthony Palumbo. His proposals include first-home savings accounts and increased State support for community colleges.

Mr. Murray also proposes reducing the state sales-tax rate by 1 percentage point, replacing the lost revenue with higher income taxes on the top 8% of earners. He supports the New York Health Act, which would establish a statewide single-payer health care system, arguing that it could reduce expenses for businesses, school districts and local governments.

Mr. Palumbo brings a legislative record and firsthand knowledge of the East End. The New Suffolk resident sponsored Senate legislation enabling community housing funds. This and other measures created tools for local communities. He has been able to get things done, even with a Democratic majority. That’s because he’s able to work across party lines, something that we could use more of at all levels of government.

Mr. Palumbo deserves a fourth term for his legislative work and established relationships in Albany.

CONGRESS

In the race for New York’s 1st Congressional District, Democrat Chris Gallant brings military and community service to his first congressional campaign against Republican incumbent Rep. Nick LaLota. His affordability proposals include adapting underused buildings for housing. He also called for immigration-enforcement oversight.

The former Black Hawk helicopter pilot has also worked as an FAA air traffic controller, served as a union leader and volunteer firefighter. He has never held elected office. 

Mr. LaLota’s record includes helping secure a substantial increase in the federal deduction cap for state and local taxes, known as SALT. The cap rose from $10,000 to $40,000 for 2025 and stands at $40,400 for 2026.

Mr. Lalota stands with the federal administration in its brutal and misguided immigration crackdowns, which has terrified, arrested and imprisoned innocent people, including a long-time employee of an Island business. Another crucial alignment with President Trump is that he has refused to condemn the president’s pardon of all Jan. 6 rioters who stormed and defaced the citadel of our democracy and resulted in the death and injury of multiple police officers. Our representative in the House has been in favor of the catastrophic war in Iran, and has been silent on the pointless tariff policy and the corruption oozing from the White House on an almost daily basis. 

Mr. Gallant’s inexperience, and Mr. LaLota’s political expediency, make this a difficult choice. But it is time for a change in Congress. The Reporter endorses Chris Gallant to represent the 1st District.

WHERE AND WHEN TO CAST YOUR BALLOT

Early voting takes place at the Community Center, 1 Bateman Road.

Friday, Oct. 30 — Noon- 8 p.m.

• Saturday/Sunday, Oct. 31/Nov. 1 — 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Election Day voting will take place at the school.

• Tuesday, Nov. 3 — 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.