Among the qualified candidates running in the 3rd Congressional District, County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (D-Woodbury) raised the most money in the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the Federal Election Commission.
Since his campaign announcement in December, Lafazan raised over $452,548 and disbursed $46,290, leaving him with $406,257 cash on hand, according to FEC reports.
Financial disclosures for the period, which were submitted by Jan. 31, track contributions, money spent and cash on hand from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31.
Recently, Lafazan’s campaign announced the endorsement of mayors from 12 villages, including Old Westbury and North Hills, and also announced the endorsement of Assemblywoman Taylor Darling (D-Hempstead)
Lafazan’s campaign said the fundraising totals are a sign of things to come.
“The strength of Legislator Lafazan’s fundraising total – raised in just 18 short days in December – shows just how strong a candidate he will be over the course of the next few months and how his message of youth, energy, and vision for the residents of the Third District has already begun to resonate,” Ross M. Wallenstein, a campaign spokesperson, said.
Republican George Santos raised $210,484 in the fourth quarter, bringing his campaign total to $727,062, according to FEC reports. Since announcing his candidacy, Santos has disbursed $519,950, leaving him with $325,077 cash on hand.
Democratic candidate Melanie D’Arrigo of Port Washington raised $77,954 in the last quarter of 2021. Throughout her campaign, D’Arrigo has raised $225,567 and disbursed $117,143, leaving her with $116,175.
Recently, D’Arrigo’s campaign announced the endorsement of former New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.
Kevin Surdi, a Republican candidate originally from Queens, raised $7,521 during the period.
Democratic candidate Robert Zimmerman of Great Neck has raised over half a million dollars since announcing his candidacy a few weeks ago, his campaign said.
“Since entering the race just over two weeks ago, we have been honored by the wonderful support from so many who have responded to our campaign,” Zimmerman said in a statement. “Our fundraising strength, together with endorsements from a broad coalition of prominent leaders from across our District and New York State, speak to the growing momentum behind our campaign and the resonance of our message with the voters of NY-03.”
In the past week, Zimmerman’s campaign received recent endorsements from Rebecca Sanin, former candidate for Huntington supervisor, Glen Cove immigration activist Angel Reyes, Northeast Queens community leader Warren Schreiber, Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) and JoAnn Smith, former CEO of Planned Parenthood of Nassau County.
Jon Kaiman, the former supervisor of North Hempstead, did not have fundraising numbers available for the fourth quarter since his candidacy was announced in January. Fundraising totals for Reema Rasool of Oyster Bay were also unavailable, according to the FEC.
On Monday, Democratic state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, a Mount Vernon native, announced her candidacy in the 3rd Congressional District.
“Our country doesn’t just need more Democrats in Washington, we need bolder ones,” Biaggi said in a statement. “I am running for Congress in NY-3 to bring progressive and honest leadership to the frontlines of our country’s most important fights. Hard working families of Westchester, Long Island, the Bronx, and Queens deserve an experienced, strong, and fearless leader in Washington. And that’s exactly what they can expect from me.
“As the Representative of the Sound, I will work to combat climate change and protect our shorelines, expand voting rights, enact universal pre-K to support working parents, provide opportunity and relief for the middle class, protect abortion rights, ensure public safety and a fair criminal legal system, and deliver affordable healthcare for all. Together, we delivered progressive change on these issues in Albany, and it is time to bring our energy and resolve to Washington.”
Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), who has represented the district since 2016, is giving up the seat to run for governor.
After a redistricting vote in the state Legislature last week, the 3rd Congressional District includes the North Shore of Nassau County and parts of Suffolk, Queens, the Bronx and Westchester. The state’s new congressional district maps are being contested by Republicans.
