Excitement for the Republican Party in traditionally Democratic New York continues to rise nearly two months after President Donald Trump took office.
Just last week, a Republican candidate secured victory in a local election in Southampton, a town of 70,000 located on the outskirts of Long Island. Richard Martel triumphed over John Leonard for a seat on the town council, a position previously held by a Democrat.
With over 99% of the votes counted, Martel received 53% of the total, winning by a margin of a few hundred votes.
Although New York is largely Democratic, it contains some unexpectedly strong—and growing—Republican strongholds. In fact, two of Long Island’s three congressional representatives are Republicans, and the area delivered the highest number of votes for Donald Trump in New York City during the last election.
Historically, the western part of Long Island has been considered a working-class stronghold where conservative candidates perform better than on the eastern side. Luxury destinations like Montauk and East Hampton attract some of the wealthiest liberal residents, just minutes away from Southampton.
The Hamptons, known for hosting high-profile celebrity supporters of Kamala Harris’ unsuccessful presidential campaign, make the Southampton election results particularly noteworthy given the region’s usual voter tendencies.
Martel, a business owner from Hampton Bays, previously served on the town board from 2020 to 2023, an experience that worked in his favor, according to the East Hampton Star. The election reflected larger national debates, including discussions on affordable housing and the region’s role in President Trump’s efforts to curb illegal immigration.
The Republican Party’s growing influence in Southampton highlights the progress made since Kamala Harris defeated Donald Trump with 53.4% of the vote to his 46.6%, according to the SI Reporter. Nearby areas such as Shelter Island and Easthampton overwhelmingly supported the Harris-Walz ticket, with a margin of more than two-to-one.
Determined to expand beyond their current strongholds, New York Republicans have pledged to mount a more competitive presence across the city starting in 2025. Meanwhile, Democratic Mayor Eric Adams has shown increasing support for the Trump-Vance administration and has benefited from the U.S. Justice Department’s decision to drop its corruption case against him.
First elected in 2021, Adams has privately indicated to allies that he is considering switching parties and running for reelection as a Republican this November.
Currently, the city council includes two Republican members, both of whom secured reelection last month. Minority Leader Joann Ariola represents areas including Glendale, Woodhaven, Ozone Park, Howard Beach, Broad Channel, and the western portion of the Rockaway Peninsula. Minority Whip Vickie Paladino serves the northeastern Queens neighborhoods of College Point, Whitestone, Bayside, Douglaston, Little Neck, and parts of Flushing.
