GOP Rep. Nick LaLota defeats Democrat John Avlon in battle for NY-1 Long Island House seat

Freshman Republican Rep.Nick LaLota is getting another term, handily defeating Democratic challenger John Avlon in a battle for a congressional seat on Long Island’s East End, projections show.LaLota scooped up 47% of votes compared to Avlon’s 41% with nearly every election district reporting, preliminary results from Tuesday’s election show.Avlon conceded the race just before 11:15 p.m, with LaLota claiming victory.“I am deeply honored that Long Islanders have entrusted me to serve in Congress for another two years.

Our convincing victory reflects our commitment to tackling our nation’s toughest challenges, from securing the border and fighting high prices to increasing the SALT deduction cap,” LaLota said.“Together, we campaigned on results, with a record of bipartisan achievement that brought over $150 million to Suffolk County.

I’m ready to return to Washington and continue representing every family, every business, and every community in this district.”The fight for the District 1 seat saw Avlon, a former CNN commentator and onetime speechwriter for Mayor Rudy Giuliani, try to best LaLota among Suffolk County voters.But LaLota blasted Avlon as an elitist carpetbagger who, despite his Sag Harbor residence, had deeper ties to Manhattan, where he keeps a $3.2 million Gramercy Park co-op.Polls showed Avlon trailing LaLota before Election Day....