On Nassau County's North Shore, incumbent candidates retain their seats

Amid one of the most historic elections in the country’s history, Long Island’s North Shore has reelected all four of its incumbent candidates, with Tom Suozzi, Chuck Lavine, Jack Martins and Jake Blumencranz all winning their races. The two Democrats and two Republicans faced some stiff campaign competition from their opponents, but in the end were able to convince voters that they were still up to the task of serving their communities.

Suozzi, who trounced Mike LiPetri, Jr. in his first race since winning the special election against Mazi Melesa Pilip earlier this year, won the election by 52 percent to 48. The long-time politician ran on a platform of bipartisanship and strong support for Israel and addressing the migrant crisis, in addition to his outspoken support for revoking the SALT tax deduction cap.

“The reason I won is because people know me, and they know that I reject extremism,” Suozzi said. “I’m a Democrat; a true blue, dyed in the wool Democrat. But I’ll work with anyone to solve problems, because I’m a true blue, dyed in the wool American.”

Martins meanwhile managed to defeat his first-time candidate opponent Kim Keiserman, retaining his state senate seat in the 7th district by 55 to 45 percent. Martins’ focus for the campaign was to highlight the rising costs of expenses, emphasizing the need to rein in government spending and improving housing affordability.

“We feel all of the issues that affect our communities,” Martins said. “I think people are doubling down on common sense, core values.”

In the Assembly, both Lavine and Blumencranz retained their seats, defeating Ruka Anzai in the 13th district and Will Murphy in the 15th, respectively. Lavine’s campaign focused on addressing environmental and infrastructure issues, as well as strengthening gun laws and enshrining abortion rights.

Blumencranz, who’s victory was only his second race ever, emphasized his desire to fight for younger families while also emphasizing his opposition to extremism on both sides of the aisle.

“We worked really hard in this race,” Blumencranz said. “It was just about getting our message out, and I think we have a winning message.”

By press time, Lavine had won by 55 percent to 45, while Blumencranz won by a margin of 58 to 42.

In addition Prop 1, that aimed to add protections against discrimination to the state constitution, was overwhelmingly approved.