After Nail Biter Race, Winner Appears To Emerge In Riverhead Town Supervisor Race — By 37 Votes

RIVERHEAD, NY — A winner appears to have emerged in the nail-biter race for Riverhead Town supervisor.

According to Riverhead Democratic Committee Chair Laura Jens-Smith in an email Friday: "The Riverhead Democratic Committee is proud to announce that Jerry Halpin has been elected the next supervisor of the Town of Riverhead. This victory reflects the community’s desire for transparent, responsible, and forward-looking leadership."

According to the Suffolk County Board of Elections official vote, Jens-Smith said, incumbent Riverhead Town Supervisor Timothy Hubbard, a Republican, had 3,919 votes, or 49.77 percent of the votes, and challenger Jerome Halpin, a Democrat, had 3,956 votes, or 50.23 percent.

On Election Night, according to the Suffolk BOE's unofficial tally, Hubbard garnered 3,870 votes, or 49.85 percent, while Halpin had 3,891 votes, or 50.12 percent.

Jesse Garcia, chair of the Suffolk County Republican Committee, confirmed that the difference was 37 votes, but said New York State law requires a hand recount because the difference is .4 percent. That recount will be held on Monday, he said.

Neither Halpin nor Hubbard immediately returned a request for comment.

"We are grateful to the voters of Riverhead for placing their trust in Jerry," the Riverhead Democratic Committee said in a statement. "This win belongs to every resident who believed our town deserves a government that listens, plans responsibly, and puts people first."

The committee also extended sincere thanks to Mark Woolley and Kevin Shea, "who ran strong, spirited campaigns for Town Council. While they were not successful in their bids, their hard work, integrity, and commitment to Riverhead inspired voters and strengthened the entire Democratic ticket."

The committee added: "Mark and Kevin showed up every day for this community, and we are grateful for their dedication and the energy they brought to this election. With Jerry Halpin’s election, Riverhead now has an opportunity to restore fiscal discipline, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure smart, sustainable planning for the future."