Gonsalves Defeats Kraus in 13th L.D.

Incumbent Republican Norma Gonsalves defeated Democratic challenger Edward Kraus in Nassau County's race for 13th district legislator Tuesday, according to unofficial results from the Nassau County Board of Elections.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Gonsalves has received 10,119 votes while Kraus obtained 5,835 votes.

Gonsalves, who resides in East Meadow with her husband, John, was first elected to the legislature in 1997 and is poised to begin her ninth consecutive term.

She was named presiding officer of the Legislature in 2012 and currently serves as chair of the Rules Committee and the Minority Affairs Committee, and as vice chair of the Budget Review Committee.

Kraus, current commissioner of the North Bellmore Fire Department, said he ran for the post to make a difference because so many things are "stagnant in the county." 

The 13th legislative district covers the areas of North Bellmore, North Merrick, East Meadow and North Wantagh.