Election 2011: Murray Defeats Port for Town Supervisor

Incumbent Republican Kate Murray easily defeated Democratic challenger Gary Port Tuesday for the Hempstead Town Supervisor seat.

Murray captured 66.84 percent of the total vote against the non-incumbent, Port.

"I want to thank all of the residents of Hempstead Town who exercised their right to vote in this election," Murray told Patch. "I am grateful for the support I have received, and I am eager to work with all of the members of Hempstead Town's family to deliver upon Team Murray's campaign motto of 'freezing taxes, helping people.'"

Murray was tapped to be the town's supervisor by Nassau County Republican Chairman Joseph N. Mondello in 2003 after Richard V. Guardino Jr. announced his resignation as supervisor.

Prior to her time as supervisor, Murray had served as Hempstead Town Clerk for one year.

On Feb. 3, 1998 Murray became the first woman elected to the New York State Assembly from the 19th District.

Before serving as an elected official, Murray worked as an Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Justice Section handling prisoner litigation. She had also served as advocate for Suffolk University Battered Women's Advocacy Project.