Republicans flip L.I. state Senate seat

ALBANY — Republicans managed to oust a freshman Democrat state senator on Long Island, a rare win for the conference as Dems prepare to enter 2021 with a supermajority in the Legislature.

Sen. Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood) conceded Wednesday to GOP challenger Alexis Weik as Suffolk County election officials announced updated results based on absentee ballots.

“Though we fell short in votes, we didn’t fall short in all the great things we accomplished together,” Martinez said in a statement. “I am certain I will see you soon but until then, I’d like to wish Alexis Weik all the best in her new position.”

The GOP scored another win as Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) won a Suffolk seat formerly held by Republican Senate Leader John Flanagan, one of nearly a dozen party members who decided against running for reelection this year.

Even with the two new members, the Republicans will only have 20 seats in the Senate come January. Democrats managed to add three seats to their 40-member conference, ensuring a veto-proof supermajority. The Assembly has been under Democratic control for years.

Upstate, Dems were able to flip several districts from red to blue following the wave of Republican retirements.

Martinez was one of several seemingly vulnerable Dems on Long Island, but fellow freshmen Sens. James Gaughran (D-Northport) and Kevin Thomas (D-Levittown) both battled back from Election Day deficits as absentee votes were tallied.

Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (R-Lockport) welcomed Weik and Palumbo to the conference and applauded the tough-on-crime messaging that failed to win over voters in other districts.

“Both of these individuals worked tirelessly to earn the support of Long Island voters and will be strong voices of reason in Albany,” Ortt said. “Senators-elect Palumbo and Weik stood firmly against the procriminal, anti-police agenda made possible by Senate Democrats, and stood up for homeowners who saw their property tax relief checks evaporate under one party rule.

“They will continue to be reliable voices for public safety, taxpayers and small businesses that are suffering,” he added.