Money talks and votes

Automated narration.

Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto/Douglas Rissing

Updated July 17, 2025 5:56 pm

Daily Point

Money, as always, greases the skids in politics

Incumbency is the lifeblood of politics … because of, well, money.

The 2026 federal election cycle is off and running with control of the House of Representatives the biggest prize. Incumbents and potential rivals are raising money, proving that the campaign never stops, especially for a two-year House seat.

Two of Long Island’s four congressional districts, both held by Democrats, have at-risk seats because of the narrow victory margins two years ago when a White House race topped the ticket, according to the Cook Political Report.

CD4’s Rep. Laura Gillen, a Democrat, raised $1.34 million since January, according to Federal Election Commission reports for Q2, which ended June 30. The reports, released this week, showed that fellow Democrat Thomas Suozzi in CD3 raised $1.39 million in the same period.

LI’s two incumbent Republicans are considered in safe seats, at least at this stage. Reps. Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino raised $1.27 million and $843,000, respectively, during the same period.

Interestingly, Garbarino, considered the most secure incumbent among the four because of Republican registration is the only incumbent to have an active challenger.

Former Suffolk County Executive Patrick Halpin, 72, is making a run. His FEC fundraising data will first be reported in Q3.

Regardless of party, the Island’s four incumbents, running in one of the most expensive places in the nation, had some of the biggest hauls in the nation.

— Mark Nolan mark.nolan@newsday.com

Pencil Point

Big Bird gets cut

For more cartoons, visit www.newsday.com/julynationalcartoons

Quick Points

Reading is fundamental

After Islip Town tabled a resolution July 15 that could have allowed legal cannabis dispensaries, Councilman James O’Connor took a subtle dig at speakers who he said didn’t read the town’s proposed legislation. “Somebody got up seven meetings in a row … And had she bothered to read the legislation, the legislation doesn't involve any dispensaries in that particular hamlet,” O’Connor pointed out, dryly. Guess the filter’s off for O’Connor since he isn’t seeking reelection.
Actress Emma Watson of “Harry Potter” fame was banned from driving for six months after being clocked doing 38 mph in a 30 mph zone in England. On Long Island, she’d have gotten the New York salute for holding up traffic.
Trump’s attempt to celebrate Chelsea’s first FIFA Club World Cup win Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey went viral, but the official White House video omits an awkward moment. As players were about to hoist the trophy, Trump was on stage, clapping and smiling. Star player Cole Palmer mouthed, “Wait, wait, what’s he doing?” Chelsea captain Reece James asked, “Are you going to leave?” You know the old political saying about the politician who needs to be the bride at every wedding …
Speaking of Trump, the Big Beautiful Bill has a small nugget about gamblers only being able to deduct 90% of their losses. What’s the over-under on MAGA gamblers having buyer’s remorse?