Politics & Government
Democrat Stern Wins Assembly Seat Held By GOP For 40 Years
The win doesn't tip the balance of power in Albany, but it gives Long Islanders another voice in the Assembly's majority party.
For the first time in four decades, a Democrat will be representing the 10th District in the New York State Assembly.
In a special election on Tuesday, Democrat Steve Stern defeated Republican Janet Smitelli 5,748 to 3,969, or 59 percent to 41 percent. Stern is a former Suffolk County legislator and Smitelli is an attorney.
“This is an important win for us locally," Stern said to Newsday. "I also strongly believe it makes residents of the 10th Assembly District part of the national story. It was a great win. I attribute it to tremendous volunteers and a positive message.”
Find out what's happening in Huntingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The two were in a race to fill the seat in the 10th Assembly District vacated by Chad Lupinacci, who was elected Huntington Town Supervisor.
Though losing the seat is a blow to local Republicans, it isn't going to make too much difference in Albany politics, where Democrats have long controlled the Assembly.
Find out what's happening in Huntingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The 10th Assembly District includes all of Huntington, Dix Hills, Cold Spring Harbor, Lloyd Harbor, Melville, Dix Hills and part of Farmingdale.
Photo: Steve Stern's office
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