Senator Anthony Palumbo is a Republican incumbent representing one of New York’s most competitive Senate districts. Since first winning an East End seat, Palumbo has followed the far right playbook: voting against transgender and LGBTQ protections, opposing reproductive freedom, and echoing parental rights rhetoric designed to censor classrooms and stigmatize students.
In 2024, he held on by just 6 percent, winning Senate District 1 with about 53.4 percent to his Democratic challenger’s 46.6 percent. Voters on the East End supported the Equal Rights Amendment to protect abortion and LGBTQ rights, and Democratic performance has improved in presidential cycles across Suffolk County. Palumbo’s narrow win was not a show of strength. It was a warning. This district is purple. It is trending away from extremism. And he is governing like that is not true.
He may have squeaked by in 2024, but voters now know his record. The election is in 2026 but the race has already begun! He is exposed. He is extreme. He is beatable.
Anti-LGBTQ+ and Anti-Family Record
Voted against the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act in the Assembly.
Supported the ban on conversion therapy for minors but opposed broader protections, including the Equal Rights Amendment.
In the Senate, opposed the Equal Rights Amendment securing LGBTQ and women’s protections.
Echoed national anti-LGBTQ talking points on schools and gender identity.
Record is out of step with East End families who value dignity and fairness.
Attacks on Reproductive Freedom
Voted against the 2019 Reproductive Health Act, which codified Roe v. Wade.
Opposed protections for New York providers offering abortion care, including telehealth for out-of-state patients.
Rejected the Equal Rights Amendment safeguarding reproductive freedom.
Suffolk County voters backed the ERA, leaving Palumbo at odds with local opinion.
His absolutist opposition undermines privacy and autonomy for women and families.
Culture War Over Constituents
Brands himself as a local advocate but votes like a national culture war politician.
Opposed LGBTQ protections, reproductive freedom, and aligned with censorship-driven “parental rights” attacks.
Focused on divisive social fights while neglecting local issues like affordability, coastal resilience, water quality, and schools.
No signature accomplishments on infrastructure, schools, or affordability.
Pattern of ideology over constituents’ needs.
Key Vulnerabilities
Won first Senate race in 2020 by only a few points.
Re-elected in 2024 with just 53.4%, a narrow 6-point margin.
Suffolk voters supported the Equal Rights Amendment, directly contradicting his votes.
District growing more moderate with younger, year-round families prioritizing inclusion and problem-solving.
Democrats gaining ground in presidential cycles across the East End.
Progressive and pro-choice coalitions already organizing heavily in the district.
Palumbo has a narrow base, shifting electorate, and an unpopular record.
Anthony Palumbo has spent his time in office pushing New York’s most extreme social policies on a district that wants practical, inclusive leadership. He voted against trans and LGBTQ protections, fought the law that codified Roe v. Wade, and opposed the Equal Rights Amendment.
He has:
A hardline record on LGBTQ rights and reproductive freedom
A shrinking margin in a fast-changing suburban and coastal district
A voting record out of step with East End values
No major accomplishments that improve water quality, schools, or affordability
