Dem Dave Calone Raises $1.7M For War Chest In Race For Suffolk County Executive

EAST SETAUKET, NY — Suffolk County Democratic County Executive hopeful Dave Calone has collected another $750,000, raising a total of $1.7 million for his war chest in the six-month filing period ending on Jan. 13.

The former prosecutor and business leader said he was "deeply grateful to the hundreds of supporters" across Suffolk who have "generously contributed their hard-earned dollars to our campaign."

"As a former prosecutor and as a business leader, I know what’s needed to expand opportunity, keep people safe, and lead Suffolk families towards a better future," he said.

County Executive Steve Bellone's term expires at the end of 2023.

Calone's camp said he has "consolidated support in the Democratic Party and is building a broad coalition that includes prominent Suffolk County Republicans and Independents."

At his campaign kick-off fundraiser at the Hyatt Hotel in Hauppauge, Republican Steve Louro, CEO of the Suffolk-based Professional Group Plans, offered Calone his support, saying that he wants "what is best" for the county where his kids and grandkids live.

Calone "would be the first business leader to be county executive and the first former prosecutor," which he believes is "the perfect combination of skill sets to make sure that county government works for us, not the other way around."

"I am going to take a lot of heat for supporting Dave Calone for County Executive, but it is worth it because he is the intelligent, kind, and caring leader that Suffolk County needs right now," he said.

The county's GOP has not announced a candidate in the race, though there have been rumors that former congressman Lee Zeldin, who lost a gubernatorial bid in November, could be a contender for Suffolk's top spot.

GOP chairman Jesse Garcia said that the party "has a deep bench" of candidates who are grounded in the private sector and public service with "outstanding records of accomplishments that are second to none."

The party will screen candidates late this month.

Garcia said he feels "very hopeful" and is "cautiously optimistic that come Nov. 2, a Republican will be elected to the county executive’s position.”