Candidate Profile: Andrew Garbarino For NY 2nd Congressional District

LONG ISLAND, NY — Andrew Garbarino (R—NY) is seeking re-election to U.S. Congress in New York's 2nd Congressional District.

Two fellow Republicans, Robert Cornicelli and Mike Rakebrandt, are challenging Garbarino ahead of the Aug. 23 primary.

Garbarino defeated Democrat Jackie Gordon in the 2020 General Election with 52.9 percent of the votes to 46 percent to be elected to Congress. Harry Burger of the Green Party picked up 1 percent of the vote.

Gordon is set to run again for the Democratic Party, and Garbarino is aiming to get to the rematch with Gordon.

Patch reached out to all candidates in the Republican primary, as Gordon is already set to advance to the General Election.

Here are Garbarino's full answers:

Andrew R. Garbarino

Campaign website

https://garbarinoforny.com/

City or town of residence

Bayport, NY

Office sought

Re-election for New York’s Second Congressional District

Party affiliation

Republican

Education

"I went to Sayville High School where I participated in student government and worked at the local hardware store. As a man of faith, I received my communion and confirmation at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, where I still attend Mass on Sunday. After high school graduation, I went on to receive my BA in history and classical humanities from The George Washington University. I then returned to Long Island where I received my Juris Doctorate from Hofstra University."

Occupation

"After graduating from Hofstra University, I joined my father at our family law firm in downtown Sayville. As a private attorney, I saw first hand some of the challenges facing Long Islanders and how policy and law have a direct impact on people’s lives. That inspired me to run for a seat in the New York Assembly, where I served the 7th district for four terms. I now represent New York’s Second District in Congress and serve on the House Small Business Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee where I am the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation."

Family

"I am the proud son of a lawyer and small business owner and a teacher. I have one brother and two sisters. I also am the proud Godfather of three children, Lincoln, Madaline and Abigail."

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

"My brother is an assistant town attorney."

Age

38

Previous public office, appointive or elective

"Before running for Congress, I served four terms in the New York State Assembly representing the 7th District."

Why are you seeking this office?

"I am seeking re-election because, as a lifelong resident of the south shore of Long Island, New York’s 2nd District is my home. The people I represent are my neighbors, my friends, and my family. We have accomplished so much together during my first term in Congress but, with Washington, D.C. under Democrat control, Long Islanders are experiencing record inflation, astronomical gas prices, and rising crime. Next Congress, we will focus on cutting back on excessive government spending in order to address inflation, restoring American energy production to bring down gas prices and reduce our reliance of foreign fuel, and passing legislation to secure the southern border, including by investing in additional manpower and physical and technological border security tools."

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

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

"I have the experience, resources, and state and local support to beat the Democrats in November, help win back the house, and fire Nancy Pelosi so that we can put a check on the radical Biden agenda and get our economy back on track. Also, I am the only candidate on the Conservative Party ballot line and if I lose the Republican Primary, I will still be on the ballot in November causing Republicans and Conservatives to split the vote."

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

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

"My top priority has always been to help the people I represent. That starts by revitalizing our economy, supporting our law enforcement, first responders, and veterans, combating rising crime, and securing our border."

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

"During my first term in Congress I’ve proven that I believe in results-driven governing. Since entering Congress, I have introduced 18 pieces of legislation and cosponsored more than 450 pieces of legislation on behalf of New York’s Second District. 63 pieces of legislation I supported have passed the House of Representatives, including 7 I introduced – the VSO Support Act, the Small Business Development Center Cyber Training Act, the CISA Leadership Act Cybersecurity Grants for Schools Act of 2022, and the Transit Security Grant Program Flexibility Act, to name a few. I secured $4.45 million in Fiscal Year 2022 in appropriations for Community Funding Projects directly to the Second District and have had nearly $25 million for Community Funding Projects approved for inclusion in the House appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2023, including for critical sewer projects, flood resilience projects, law enforcement, Alzheimer’s services, local food banks, and small businesses services. I co-founded the Congressional SALT Caucus to fight to eliminate the SALT deduction cap and am the Republican lead of the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act to ensure 9/11 first responders and survivors continue to have access to health care benefits for 9/11 related illnesses. Additionally, I’m especially proud that my team has helped over 3,000 constituents through casework including by returning over $4 million back to constituents from the government in the form of federal benefits and grant programs and assisting with over over 500 passport renewals."

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"When I was first elected to the State Assembly, my mother told me that she was very proud of me but to always make sure that I do the right thing. Every time I vote in Washington, I think of her and make sure I am doing the right thing for my district and my constituents."

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?