Reps. LaLota, Garbarino Head Toward November With Millions

Two Suffolk Republican congressmen are heading into the final months of the 2026 campaign with overwhelming financial advantages over their Democratic challengers, according to the latest Federal Election Commission reports.

Rep. Andrew Garbarino, seeking another term in New York’s 2nd Congressional District, reported nearly $3.4 million in cash on hand as of June 30. His campaign raised $3.51 million during the 2025-26 cycle and spent approximately $1.6 million.

His Democratic opponent, former Suffolk County Executive Patrick Halpin, reported just $89,408 on hand. Halpin raised approximately $461,848 since entering the race and spent $372,440.

The disparity is also substantial in the 1st Congressional District. Rep. Nick LaLota reported $3.3 million in cash on hand after raising nearly $3.8 million during the cycle and spending approximately $1.1 million.

Democrat Christopher Gallant, who won the June primary to challenge LaLota, reported $172,217 on hand. His campaign raised $647,598 and spent $475,381 through June 30.

Combined, Garbarino and LaLota entered July with approximately $6.7 million available, compared with about $262,000 for Halpin and Gallant — a Republican cash advantage exceeding $6.5 million.

The numbers provide the incumbents with considerable flexibility for television advertising, mail, digital campaigning and voter turnout operations as November approaches. They also come as Republicans nationally hold a significant financial advantage over Democrats heading into the midterms.

But as recent upset victories around the country have demonstrated, a large war chest is an advantage — not a ballot box guarantee.

Congressional candidates, clockwise from top left, Reps. Nick Lota and Andrew Garbarino and challengers Christopher Gallant and Pat Halpin. Credit: Image compilation