Republicans retained their strong grip on the Nassau County Legislature in Tuesday’s election, while incumbent Democrat Madeline Singas was elected to a second term as the county district attorney.
County Legislator Richard Nicolello (R-New Hyde Park), presiding officer of the Legislature, who defeated Democratic challenger Mal Nathan, said the night was a great one for the party.
“We concentrated on the pocketbook issues which matter to people the most as well as criminal justice, and I think those resonated with voters the most,” Nicolello said in an interview. “We had a great group of candidates, too.”
The Republicans kept their majority with 11 seats in the Legislature compared with eight for the Democrats.
Nicolello, whose area includes the Plandomes, Munsey Park, Roslyn Estates, Williston Park, East Williston, Mineola, New Hyde Park and portions of Albertson, and fellow Legislator Vincent T. Muscarella were re-elected for 12th terms in the 9th and 8th districts, respectively. Muscarella, whose area includes Floral Park and portions of New Hyde Park, defeated Democratic candidate Barbara Hafner.
While Nicolello and Muscarella retained their seats, incumbent Democrats were elected in the remaining districts across the North Shore.
Legislator Ellen Birnbaum was re-elected over Republican candidate Helene Sherman in the 10th District, which includes Manhasset, Manhasset Hills, North New Hyde Park, Herricks and Albertson.
Sherman said in an interview that she may run again “if the party needed me.”
“I’m glad I had the opportunity to dip my toes in the waters,” Sherman said. “You never know when there could be a change in the future.”
In Port Washington, Roslyn, Roslyn Harbor, Port Washington North and Manorhaven, Democratic District 11 Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton won a third term against Republican James Greenberg, who said that he may run again.
“I enjoyed myself so much, talking to all the residents. I’m not going anywhere, I’d like to stay involved and I would love to run again because I have a lot to offer,” Greenberg said.
Republican newcomers Jennifer Garber in the 16th District, which includes Roslyn Heights and Old Westbury, and Timothy Jenks in the 18th District, which includes East Hills, lost to incumbent Democratic Legislators Arnold Drucker and Joshua Lafazan, respectively.
The elected Legislature, which will take office on Jan. 1, will be redistricting the county according to the 2020 census.
Meanwhile, Manhasset resident Singas, who ran on her record as a prosecutor, was re-with 60% of the vote over Republican challenger Francis McQuade, who congratulated his opponent and stated his intention not to run again.
“I did my very best, I called up Ms. Singas and congratulated her,” McQuade said in an interview. “I wish her the best, and I enjoyed the campaign, though it’s not my intention to run anymore. I respect the people and their decision, and I hope the best for the county.”
Singas thanked her staff, and while addressing party members gathered at the Garden City Hotel, said she was “humbled by this resounding victory.”
“People went to the polls and said, ‘You know what, DA’s office is doing just fine,’ so thank you,” Singas said. “We work for the protection of everyone in Nassau County. If you live in Nassau County, we’re going to do everything we can to protect you, and if you hurt the people of Nassau County, then we will hold you accountable.”
Six candidates for the Nassau County Supreme Court who were all cross-endorsed by the Republican, Democratic and Conservative parties were elected to the six available seats. They were David Gugerty, Angela G. Iannucci, Stephen J. Lynch, Christopher Quinn, Thomas Rademaker and David T. Sullivan.
Robert Pelaez contributed reporting.
