Goroff, Ahearn Are Winners In Democratic Primary

Nancy Goroff, the chairwoman of the chemistry department at Stony Brook University, has declared victory in the Democratic primary for the right to face off against Republican incumbent U.S. Representative Lee Zeldin in the November general election for the 1st Congressional District.

Dr. Goroff’s campaign issued a press release stating that she held a 630-vote margin over second-time candidate Perry Gershon and a commanding 4,309-vote lead over Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming.

According to the Goroff campaign, she received a total of 17,905 votes to 17,295 for Mr. Gershon and 13,696 for Ms. Fleming.

Those figures have yet to be confirmed by the Suffolk County Board of Elections.

“I am honored to have earned the support of thousands of Democratic voters across New York’s 1st District, and to have earned the Democratic nomination to take on Lee Zeldin,” Dr. Goroff said in a release. “I got into this race last July because as a scientist, leader at Stony Brook University, and Suffolk County mom, I could not sit idly by as Zeldin consistently chooses hyper-partisan spin over science and over the needs of our community. Now more than ever, we need a change in leadership.”

Both Mr. Gershon and Ms. Fleming conceded Thursday afternoon.

“Earlier today, I called Nancy to congratulate her on a hard-fought win,” Mr. Gershon said. “Reflecting back on this whole experience, I must say that it was truly remarkable. I loved meeting with thousands of people over the last few years and discussing how we can make things better for our families here in Suffolk.”

He said he was encouraged that Democratic voters had come out in high numbers — he said four times as many voted in this primary than in 2016.

He added that Mr. Zeldin “must be defeated in November and Democrats have laid down the gauntlet that they are ready to take him on. We deserve a representative who will fight for Long Islanders, instead of fighting for a corrupt president who he is beholden to. I will remain visible, fighting with Nancy for the issues I care deeply about, and I look forward to continuing to work towards a better America, New York and most especially, a better Long Island.”

Ms. Fleming also issued a statement. “I'm proud of the campaign we ran," she said in a release. "First, I want to thank all of my amazing supporters, volunteers, and our incredible team in Suffolk County. You truly gave me the energy to keep fighting despite a global pandemic and the barrage of outside spending in this race.”

She said she had called Dr. Goroff to congratulate her and offer her support in the November election against Mr. Zeldin, whom she called “an absentee congressman who cares more about Donald Trump’s adoration than he does the people of the 1st Congressional District.”

Dr. Goroff’s apparent victory also caught the attention of Mr. Zeldin, who, issued his own press release, touting his own rating from the Lugar Center and Georgetown University as the 12th most bipartisan member of the House of Representatives.

“I will continue a laser focus on our economy, cutting taxes and growing jobs, increasing healthcare access and affordability, ensuring Long Islanders have clean air and clean water, protecting America’s safety and security at home and abroad, supporting our first responders and veterans, and stopping radical policies and other costly pursuits that would harm the families of Long Island,” he said in a release.

Separately, Laura Ahearn declared victory in the race for the Democratic nomination to run for the 1st District State Senate seat against Republican 2nd District Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo. The seat is being vacated by long-time Republican Senator Kenneth P. LaValle, who announced his retirement earlier this year.

Vote totals were not available.

“It is with great humility and excitement that I declare victory in the Democratic Primary in New York State Senate District 1,” Ms. Ahearn said in a release issued Wednesday afternoon. “After a full canvass of the all ballots submitted in this race, it’s become abundantly clear that voters have chosen me as their nominee to represent the Democratic Party in the general election.”

Ms. Ahearn thanked voters for their support and the other candidates — Brookhaven Councilwoman Valerie Cartright, Southampton Councilman Tommy John Schiavoni, Skyler Johnson, and Nora Higgins —“for their hard work and determination to advance our shared values.”

Mr. Schiavoni issued a statement. “I give thanks to my family, dear friends and campaign team who selflessly gave their minds and talent to the cause of good government. Our democracy survives only with effort and is dependent upon the participation of thoughtful men and women voting, caring and resisting the complacency that leaves the responsibility of governing to others,” he said. “Thank you, also, to those who endorsed me for state senate and stood by me steadfast, and to the donors whose financial support made it possible to do so. Grateful for the hard work, encouragement and prayers of so many, I am humbled by it all and will keep that humility with me as I continue to serve my community as a Southampton Town councilman.”