10/22/2026
Thank you Assemblyman Phil Ramos
Last night’s Islip Town Democratic Committee meeting was democracy in all its passion, its imperfections, and its power. It was contentious. At times, it was messy. But there is something beautiful about people caring enough to stand up, speak out, and help determine the direction of their party.
I was the only elected official to cast my vote for Leigh-Ann Barde. I made that choice because I believed it was right. Public service requires the courage to exercise independent judgment, and the willingness to stand by it when standing alone.
Today, that same conviction calls me to speak for unity.
As Deputy Speaker, dean of the Long Island delegation, and a proud Democrat, I believe it is time to come together to elect leaders this November who share our values and beliefs and who will be partners in government in making people’s lives better.
The support Leigh-Ann received carries a message that deserves to be heard throughout our county party. There are differences within our ranks about participation, and the direction we should take. Those differences deserve an honest conversation. Attempts to intimidate or silence people will only deepen the divisions and strengthen the resolve of those who already feel unheard.
Leadership begins with the willingness to listen, even when the message is uncomfortable.
We must also recognize the urgency of this moment. Our country faces grave threats to its democratic institutions, its freedoms, and its future. An internal political civil war would consume the energy we need to meet those threats. Every hour spent settling scores is an hour we could spend reaching voters.
I respectfully call on our county leadership and everyone involved in last night’s contest to lower the temperature, respect the democratic process, and focus our immediate efforts on turning out Democratic votes on November 3. On November 4, we must commit ourselves to the serious work of reconciliation, and we can begin showing one another respect today.
We cannot credibly condemn intimidation and vindictiveness in Republican politics while making room for those same behaviors within our own party. We cannot criticize Republicans for not accepting the results of the last presidential election and then not accept the results of our local elections. Our principles must govern how we treat one another, especially when we disagree.
To Leigh-Ann and those celebrating her victory, I offer both congratulations and a challenge. carry this victory with grace. Reach out to those who opposed you. Give them a meaningful place in the work ahead. A victory creates a responsibility to lead the whole organization.
To those disappointed by the outcome: your experience, your voices, and your commitment still matter. There is work for all of us, and a country that needs us to do it together.
True leadership is measured by the trust we earn and the hearts we bring together after the battle is over.
Let us have the courage to stand on principle, the humility to extend a hand, and the wisdom to put our country’s future ahead of our own political battles.
