DeRiggi-Whitton Takes 18th District Seat

After Democratic candidate has been officially elected to the 18th District seat of Nassau County Legislature.

Her win over Republican opponent was certified by a judge Monday. The final vote tally was not immediately available from the Board of Elections, however Republicans now have a 10-9 majority in the legislature.

"I would like to thank everyone who supported me during this election,” DeRiggi-Whitton said on Monday. “Being given the honor of representing the residents of the 18th district is not something that I take lightly, and you have my sincere promise that I will work diligently. Again, I look forward to hearing any suggestions and establishing a dialogue, so we can work together to meet the needs and challenges we face.”

DeRiggi-Whitton is a City of Glen Cove Councilwoman, life-long resident and daughter of former Glen Cove Mayor Donald DeRiggi.

The 18th District candidates vied for the seat left vacant by Minority Leader Diane Yatauro, D-Glen Cove, who did not seek re-election. DeRiggi-Whitton’s successful bid ended a long-fought race that was too close to call on Election Day.

When polls closed on Nov. 8, . After the counting of approximately 500 absentee, affidavit and emergency ballots, DeRiggi-Whitton pulled ahead by 31 votes, , according to Germino.

The challenged votes were reviewed by a judge, Democratic Commissioner William Biamonte told LIHerald.com, so that each ballot could be individually ruled on to determine its validity.

“The election in the 18th Legislative District was probably the closest in the history of the Nassau County Legislature,” said Germino. “The final results confirm that our district is about evenly split on the best way to solve Nassau County's problems. I thank the half of the district that voted for me. Stay involved and make your voice heard.”

In District 14, Republican incumbent Joseph Belisi ultimately beat Democratic challenger Eva Pearson and, on election night, Democrat Carrie Solages edged out eight-term Legis. John Ciotti, R-Valley Stream.

The 18th district covers Glen Cove, Sea Cliff, Bayville, Locust Valley, Brookville, Glen Head, Greenvale and Jericho.

Editor’s Note: Amanda Fiscina contributed to this article.