U.S. Representative Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) defeated political newcomer Christopher Gallant (D-Amity Harbor) in the keynote race on the East End in the 2026 midterms, as the big win for the Democrats nationwide was more balanced on the East End.
The race for New York’s 1st Congressional District, which represents both the Hamptons and North Fork as well as most of Suffolk County’s entire North Shore, pitted two-term Republican incumbent Nick LaLota against Democratic challenger Christopher Gallant, an Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopter pilot, volunteer firefighter and former air traffic controller. LaLota campaigned on his congressional record, tax relief and public safety, while Gallant focused on affordability, health care and the need for political change. The contest took an increasingly personal turn in September after explicit photographs surfaced showing Gallant modeling bondage gear and posing in sexual scenarios with a former partner. Gallant acknowledged the photographs and refused to apologize, arguing that his private life had no bearing on his qualifications for public office.
