NY GOP praises Trump for shaking up political world
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino called Trump's win "remarkable." The photo is from March 1, 2012. Credit: Newsday / Rory Glaeseman
The praise came quickly from Republicans for Donald Trump’s shock-the-world win early Wednesday that captured the White House as Democrats felt secure they’d hold the presidency for a third term.
“We offer our huge congratulations to our favorite son President-elect Donald J. Trump on his historic election,” state Republican chairman Ed Cox said Wednesday.
“A Queens native who left an indelible mark on New York City, he emerged on the national political stage with electric force and captured the attention of the American public,” said Cox who was one of the few Republican leaders who hadn’t opposed Trump.
Trump’s support that defied the polls may have helped Republicans retain and strengthen control of the state Senate, the GOP’s last bastion of power in state government.
“The force of his candidacy helped us secure our Republican congressional, Senate, and Assembly seats in New York, as well as both houses of Congress,” Cox said.
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, who was the Republican nominee for governor in 2014, called Trump’s win “remarkable.” Astorino was one of several Republicans who said they didn’t like Trump’s brash style or many of his hard-line positions on immigration, but Astorino like many had said he would support the party’s choice.
“Mr. Trump led a voter revolt of historical dimensions across America this year, and it didn’t happen by mistake,” Astorino said. “Working and middle-class Americans of all backgrounds have been ignored for too long in Washington and Albany, and that has to change.”
Astorino is considering a rematch against Democratic Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in 2018. Cuomo had backed Clinton, but her loss leaves an opening in the party for him to run for president in 2020.
Another potential GOP contender for governor also praised Trump Wednesday.
Trump “took a gracious first step in seeking to unify and heal our country,” said Dutchess County Executive Mark Molinaro. “Americans want a government that works for them . . . I know it’s what has motivated me -- and it is how I hope these next months and years progress: a government that humbles itself and a people that learn to come together.”
Michael Gormley has worked for Newsday since 2013, covering state government, politics and issues. He has covered Albany since 2001.
'This is going to sway the vote' Trump supporters and local GOP officials came to the Coliseum for the former president's rally. Some waited hours to see him. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.
