Zeldin Fends Off Gershon in Heated Congressional Race

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — After a heated race marked by contention Rep. Lee Zeldin, a Republican running for his second term representing the 1st Congressional District, will win re-election against his opponent, businessman and Democrat Perry Gershon.

Zeldin, a Republican, emerged victorious over Gershon by a margin of 130,919 to 115,795, according to an unofficial tally by the Suffolk County Board of Elections.

In his victory speech, Zeldin said, as the crowd chanted his name: "This race offered us a clear contrast of results versus resistance. We were campaigning on results and that was what won at the end of the day."

In a statement, Zeldin said: "Throughout this campaign, we have received an extraordinary amount of support and momentum from the great individuals and families of the First Congressional District. Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers for helping to get our message out; walking door to door, making phone calls, and delivering and displaying lawn signs in every corner of the district. I could not be more grateful, and humbled to have your support. I would also like to thank my opponent and his supporters on a hard fought campaign.

"It has been a privilege to serve as your Congressman for the past four years, and I am energized to continue to work hard on your behalf. In addition to helping grow our economy and strengthen our national security, I have advocated on behalf of our veterans, fought to protect our environment, worked hard to destroy MS-13, and end the heroin and opioid abuse epidemic . . . just to name a few. I call this just a start.

"As a community and country, we must do a better job unifying to solve important challenges in front of us. That doesn't mean that we shouldn't ever disagree with each other and productively debate substantive issues, because that is one of the reasons why this is the greatest nation in the world. I realize I can’t be all things to all people. That's impossible, but I look forward to working with absolutely everyone and anyone to find common ground however possible to move our community, and great nation better. The band Rage Against the Machine said 'Good, better, best. You can never let it rest, until your good becomes your better, and your better becomes your best.' While I am proud of the incredible progress that we have made so far, there is still so much more that can be done to address the challenges facing our community, state and nation," Zeldin said. "In Congress, I will continue working to advance my New Era of American Strength agenda to protect America’s security at home and abroad, help grow our economy, support our veterans and first responders, improve the quality of education, repair our nation’s infrastructure, improve healthcare, and safeguard our environment.”

Gershon, in his concession speech, said the fight was not over and he hoped to win in the next go-round: "It’s not the outcome we wanted but life goes on. We’re much better off than we were two years ago."

Election Day saw a sharp uptick in voters and reports of a "blue wave" of Democrats raising some questions as to who would emerge victorious on a day pivotal for the future of Congress.

Even a day before the midterm elections, the race continued to spark outcry as barbs continued to fly.

A woman posted on the Suffolk Progressives Facebook page, stating that she received a mailer "postmarked from mid-island" urging residents to vote for Kate Browning in the race between incumbent Rep. Lee Zeldin, a Republican, who is running for his second term representing the 1st Congressional District, and his opponent, businessman and Democrat Perry Gershon.

The belief is that mailer urges individuals to vote for Browning to siphon votes from Gershon.

Browning responded on Facebook: "So the Zeldin camp is playing dirty tricks. I will repeat. I am not actively campaigning for me. I am supporting Perry Gershon. Ignore any fake mailers with no return address or paid for. He clearly has no integrity and will do anything for a vote. I support Perry Gershon for Congress."

Zeldin's campaign communications director Chris Boyle responded: "Just more baseless claims from another failed candidate. I guess everyone looks to attack you when you're clearly up with all the momentum going into Election Day. We have zero idea who did this.

When asked to weigh in, Ali Dakich, Gershon spokesperson, replied, "Kate's statement speaks for itself."

Tensions escalated in the days leading up to the election.

Zeldin blasted Gershon last week for a campaign mailer that elicited outrage.

The mailer featured a hanger and the words: "Lee Zeldin's plan for women's healthcare." Gershon, in at least one debate, has said women's rights and Roe v. Wade are threatened under the current administration.

It's not the first time a mailer sparked tempers in what shaped up to be an acrimonious campaign season. A Zeldin mailer listing the wrong date for absentee ballots caused backlash.

Tensions continued to rise as Zeldin maintained that a college student was "assaulted" by a Gershon staffer — and Gershon campaign signs were defaced with the words "Baby Killer" and "Gay Lover."

Related:

• Zeldin, Gershon Face Off On Environmental Issues
• Zeldin: College Student Was 'Assaulted' By Gershon Staffer
• Zeldin Mailer Listing Wrong Date For Absentee Ballots Sparks Ire
• Zeldin, Gershon Face Off In Heated Debate
• Zeldin Responds To 'Disgusting' Gershon Mailer