‘Blue Wave’ splashes Long Island as voters react
Voters from both parties shared mixed reactions to the election results.
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A wave of Democratic victories swept across much of Long Island, but Republicans scored key wins as well, including in Suffolk County's 1st Congressional District.
Incumbent Rep. Nick LaLota declared victory Tuesday night. By Wednesday afternoon, Democratic challenger Chris Gallant had conceded the race.
In a statement, Gallant said, in part, "Last night, the voters of the First District made their decision, and I fully respect it. Though we are disappointed in the outcome..."
Voters from both parties shared mixed reactions to the election results.
"I'm happy with my votes. I don't know if everyone agreed with most of my votes, but I'm happy with mine," said Patchogue resident Scott June.
Meanwhile, the race in New York's 2nd Congressional District remained too close to call Wednesday.
News crews visited Rep. Andrew Garbarino's office seeking comment, but he was not available.
Some Republican voters said they were surprised by the tight contest.
"I thought it was very sad. I'm very disappointed," said Renee Bulovas of Patchogue.
Another voter echoed that sentiment, saying, "The Republican lost. I'm disappointed in it."
Others saw the close race as reflective of broader voter sentiment.
"I guess it's showing what the country wanted," June said.
"It wasn't so much what was being done but how it was being done, and I think people just got tired of it," another voter said.
Pat Halpin, Garbarino's Democratic opponent, declined an on-camera interview. In a statement, he said:
"With the outcome still too close to call, every vote deserves to be counted, and we're confident in the democratic process. The voters deserve to have their voices heard."
