House Speaker to Headline Suffolk GOP Rally

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican candidate for governor Bruce Blakeman will headline a get-out-the-vote rally in Shirley on October 27 as Suffolk County becomes a focal point in the battle for control of Congress and New York State government.

Control of Congress could hinge on New York as Republicans seek to hold the seats of Reps. Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino and pick up Democratic-held positions in Nassau County.

Blakeman, challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul, will appear at an old-fashioned hangar rally at Brookhaven Calabro Airport with lieutenant governor candidate Todd Hood, attorney general candidate Saritha Komatireddy and comptroller candidate Joseph Hernandez. Doors will open at 5:30.

“We will make sure the Democrats in Albany and Washington hear us and know we’re ready to fight,” said Suffolk GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia. “The eyes of the nation will be on Suffolk County.”

The two local congressmen are campaigning on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which provided tax deductions for Social Security recipients, overtime and tips, along with other incentives designed to boost the economy. Democrats opposed the legislation.

Inflation and illegal immigration also loom large, with Republicans criticizing the Green New Deal and the open border policy of the Democrats.

GOP challengers Mike LiPetri and Jeanine Driscoll are seeking to unseat Reps. Tom Suozzi in the 3rd Congressional District and Laura Gillen in the 4th, respectively.

In the state Legislature, Assemblyman Joe DeStefano is fending off Democrat Josh Slaughter, who has faced allegations involving underpayment of campaign workers through his union and illegally placing campaign signs along state roadways.

Also expected at the rally are Sens. Mario Mattera, Dean Murray and Anthony Palumbo, along with Assembly members Jodi Giglio and Mike Fitzpatrick.

Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo is seeking the Senate seat being vacated by Alexis Weik, while Islip Councilwoman DawnMarie Kuhn is running to replace him in the Assembly.

“This will really show the strength and commitment of the Suffolk Republicans to block the Democratic Socialist agenda,” Assemblyman DeStefano said. “We’re for cutting taxes, fighting crime and stopping illegal immigration. They’re for raising taxes, cashless bail, and open borders. The choice for New York voters could not be more clear.”