LaLota, Gallant offer contrasting visions in race for New York's 1st Congressional District

At a time when affordability is on the mind for most Americans, Republican Congressman Nick LaLotta says he's done everything he can to save Long Islanders' money. Cutting taxes on tips, overtime, social security, the quadrupling of the state and local tax deductions, the hallmark for us Long Islanders who got that bill passed, that's saving people $3,000. But LaLotta's opponent says Long Islanders are still feeling the pain at the pump and beyond. I'm Chris Gallant. I'm running for Congress this year against Nick LaLotta. Democrat Chris Gallant is a former air traffic controller who left that job to run for Congress. He's also a Black Hawk helicopter pilot in the Army National Guard, a volunteer firefighter, and he's openly gay. People are looking for change. They're so tired of the status quo of what's going on in this country. I think I bring this new kind of change and people are excited for it. But Gallant's campaign changed last month when the New York Post published pictures from years ago of Gallant posing in leather straps and collars for a bondage gear company. The candidate ultimately leaned into the controversy and it led to a series of national headlines and interviews. I think we navigated as best we could. That has no bearing on my ability to run into a burning building, has no bearing on my ability to serve my country and the Army National Guard. Meanwhile, Lolota, who's a U.S. Navy veteran in his own right, says Long Islanders are best served returning Republicans like him to Congress, who will combat socialist policies taking shape in New York City and beyond. We here on Long Island don't want that. We want to be a firewall of freedom for good things here, both on Long Island, in New York State, and for the country. In Smithtown, Suffolk County, Rich Barabi, News 12.