Jackie Gordon v. Andrew Garbarino – The Congressional Race that Could Make History and Impact Long Island’s Political Direction
The competition for New York’s 2nd Congressional District is keen as candidates Jackie Gordon and Andrew Garbarino fight to fill long time Republican Rep. Peter King’s seat.
After representing the state for over fourteen terms, King decided to announce his retirement in November of 2019. His exit from office has created a path for a new face to represent Long Island.
The stakes are high as voters choose between candidates Garbarino and Gordon in this upcoming November election. As recent shifts have turned the district more blue, a Democratic victory could help reinforce the party’s majority in the House of Representatives. Additionally, a Republican win would help preserve their power in New York. This race has the potential to be historic and determine the fate of Long Island’s political representation moving forward.
The 2nd Congressional District includes southwestern Suffolk County and a small portion of southeastern Nassau County on the South Shore of Long Island, NY. This district flipped from voting for former President Barack Obama by four points in 2012 to backing President Donald Trump by nine points in 2016, according to the Daily Kos.
Republican candidate Garbarino is a lawyer and a small business owner from Sayville, N.Y. He currently represents the 7th District of the New York State Assembly and has held this position since 2012. His campaign platform is centered on supporting veterans, combating the current opiate crisis, and protecting the natural environment of the Great South Bay.
“My values are just like yours: Defend the middle class, keep taxes down and respect law enforcement.” said Garbaraino in an advertisement.
In relation to the coronavirus, Garbarino said he would hold China accountable and that he would work to prevent Chinese-owned technology companies from having access to American data, infrastructure and networks.
Democrat Gordon, has also been a part of the political world. In 2006, she became the first Black woman to be on Babylon’s Town Council. She spent 29 years in the Army Reserve as a military police officer and spent 32 years as a teacher and a guidance counselor. She is also a part-time yoga instructor. Gordon’s platform focuses on increasing educational resources, assisting veterans and combating gun violence. Additionally, Gordon is endorsed by the U.S. Senator Kamala Harris and former Vice President, Joe Biden.
“I’ve been to basic (training) and I’ve taught yoga,” said Gordon in her political ad. “All of us, we’re more than just one thing,” reiterating the Army motto, “Be all that you can be.”
In response to COVID-19, Gordon is fighting for small business relief funding, expanding job creation in the American medical supply chain and making healthcare more accessible.
Experts at Inside Elections and The Cook Political Report, say that the race between Garbarino and Gordon is a “toss-up.” This election could go either way and the determinant of it all is the general public and the residents of Long Island.
