Long Island GOP Turns Out for Trump Rally

Long Island Republicans turned out in force Friday as President Trump brought his law-and-order message to the Nassau County Police Academy, drawing members of Congress, state legislators and local officials from across Nassau and Suffolk.

Among the most prominent were Reps. Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino, who were called to the stage by Trump to say a few words to the boisterous crowd. LaLota, who represents New York’s 1st Congressional District, is seeking a third term, while Garbarino, who represents the 2nd and chairs the House Homeland Security Committee, is running for a fourth.

“With the pro-criminal laws coming out of Albany, we need to focus on law enforcement and security,” Garbarino said. “I’m glad to see the President standing behind law and order.”

Joining them were Republican congressional candidates Mike LiPetri, an attorney and former state assemblyman running in the 3rd District, and Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll, who is vying for the 4th.

Trump emphasized the importance of the congressional races while joking with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for governor.

“We have all of our Congress people here and that’s a big deal,” Trump noted. “If you said, would you rather have Bruce Blakeman win or all of your Congresspeople? I don’t know Bruce, I think I’m going to have to give you up. It’s so important.”

Also attending were Blakeman’s running mate, Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood, and Republican state attorney general candidate Saritha Komatireddy, a former federal prosecutor who served as chief of staff at the Drug Enforcement Administration.

“It was remarkable to see all of these high-ranking officials — including the president of the United States — in one room with our local officials,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano, who is on the November ballot for a fifth term. “Law and order and public safety are huge concerns here on Long Island and the Republicans drew a sharp contrast to the pro-criminal Democrats.”

Long Island also had representation at the highest levels of federal law enforcement. FBI Director Kash Patel, a Garden City native, appeared alongside Attorney General Todd Blanche, who lived here for 20 years, and former Long Island congressman Anthony D’Esposito, now inspector general of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Suffolk’s delegation included Sens. Dean Murray and Mario Mattera; Assembly members Jodi Giglio, Michael Fitzpatrick, Michael Durso and Jarett Gandolfo; legislators Anthony Piccirillo, Steven Flotteron and Leslie Kennedy; Comptroller John Kennedy; and Brookhaven Councilman Neil Foley.