The Democratic primary race on eastern Long Island to challenge Republican incumbent Representative Nick LaLota has been generally civil, with candidates John Avlon and Nancy Goroff focusing on key issues like abortion and the rising cost of living. However, in the final days before the June 25 primary, the tone has shifted as Goroff has launched aggressive attacks against Avlon, accusing him of supporting Republican efforts to cut Medicare benefits and running a “dark money group.” Avlon has also been critical of Goroff, highlighting her loss in the 2020 election, with outside groups like Welcome PAC running ads supporting Avlon and criticizing Goroff for her previous defeat.
Avlon, a former CNN political analyst and editor of The Daily Beast, entered the race in February after Goroff seemed like the favorite. They are the remaining candidates after Jim Gaughran and Kyle Hill dropped out. The winner will face off against LaLota, and the race has been labeled as “one of the most competitive districts in the country” by the Democratic House Majority PAC. Both Avlon and Goroff have raised significant funds for their campaigns, with Avlon emphasizing the district’s potential to become a Democratic majority-maker.
Money has poured into the race, with Avlon raising over $600,000 and Goroff raising over $125,000 between April and June. Goroff, a retired chemistry professor with strong ties to the district, has faced attacks from critics who paint her as an outsider compared to Avlon, who only recently moved to the area. LaLota, the incumbent Republican, does not live in the district and has labeled Goroff as a “progressive hero” and Avlon as a “Manhattan elitist.” Both candidates have received endorsements from party leaders and elected officials, with Avlon securing support from influential figures like Representative Tom Suozzi.
Despite the attacks and negative campaigning from both sides, Democratic leaders have expressed concerns that the infighting could weaken the eventual candidate challenging LaLota in November. Jay S. Jacobs, chair of the New York State Democratic Committee, has criticized Goroff’s tactics, saying that attacking fellow Democrats in the primary could harm the party’s chances in the general election. The race for the Democratic nomination in eastern Long Island remains contentious as Avlon and Goroff vie for the chance to unseat the Republican incumbent and potentially shift the balance of power in the House of Representatives.
