Candidate Profile: Peter Ganley, New York State Assembly District 1

Election Day is Tuesday, and voters will choose between incumbent and Democrat Fred Thiele and Peter Ganley, a Republican and Conservative Party candidate seeking the New York State Assembly District 1 seat.

Assembly District 1 covers the East End towns of East Hampton, Southampton, Shelter Island, and Center Moriches, as well as some of eastern Brookhaven Town.

In anticipation of the election, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns. Here are their answers, lightly edited for clarity.

Name

Peter Ganley

Campaign website

https://votepeterganley.com/

City or town of residence

Cutchogue

Office sought

New York State Assembly District 1

Party affiliation

Republican Party and Conservative Party

Education

Bachelors Degree

Occupation

Former staff to Congressman Lee Zeldin

Family

n/a

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

26

Previous public office, appointive or elective

No

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for NYS Assembly to improve and protect my community. I am running to be an independent voice and advocate for the East End of Long Island. I am running to cut reckless taxes and spending, preserve and protect our environment, increase public safety, repeal cashless bail, implement term limits and change the culture of corruption in Albany.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My opponent has been in office longer than I have been alive. While I am focused on lowering taxes, tackling the crime issue in New York, and fighting rampant corruption, my opponent has had every opportunity to address these issues and hasn't. He voted for cashless bail which has been disastrous for public safety.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

My opponent has been in office longer than I have been alive. While I am focused on lowering taxes, tackling the crime issue in New York, and fighting rampant corruption, my opponent has had every opportunity to address these issues and hasn't. He voted for cashless bail which has been disastrous for public safety.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My background is in constituent service in Congressman Lee Zeldin's office, where I helped people get connected with their government agency during the COVID-19 pandemic. I also used to recruit, train and retain election workers when I worked at the Suffolk County Board of Elections.