Trump gives Suffolk GOP a road map, says John Jay LaValle
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, right, is introduced by Suffolk County Republican Party chairman John Jay LaValle at a party fundraiser at the Emporium nightclub in Patchogue on Thursday evening, April 14, 2016. Credit: Newsday / John Paraskevas
Suffolk Republican Chairman John Jay LaValle says last week’s President-elect Donald Trump’s election results in Suffolk may give the local GOP a road map to winning back the county legislature next year.
LaValle, in a Thursday meeting with the 10 town leaders, said Trump won in 12 of the 18 legislative district where all lawmakers must seek re-election next year. Democrats and allies now hold a 12-6 over Republicans.
He added Trump came close — losing by three to eight points — in four other districts now held by Democrats. Trump lost Legis. Kara Hahn’s Three Village district by three points, by five points each in the districts of Legis. Steve Stern of Dix Hills and Dr. William Spencer’s of Centerport and by eight points in the district of freshman Bridget Fleming of Noyak.
The only two Suffolk legislative districts where Trump lost heavily were in the seats held by Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory of Amityville and Legis. Monica Martinez of Brentwood, both heavily minority districts.
Encouraged, LaValle who served as a frequent Trump surrogate on New York cable outlets, said, “It’s a good foundation to build on.”
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