General Elections 2023: Incumbents sweep Valley Stream races

Voters across Long Island went to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots, and Carrié Solages picked up a decisive victory over his Republican opponent, Sheharyar Ali, retaining his seat in the Nassau County Legislature, which he has held for more than a decade.

Solages earned 62 percent of Tuesday’s ballot count, according to unofficial returns.

“I would like to thank the residents for making the right choice and for picking the right man,” Solages told supporters who gathered Tuesday night at Le Spot Café in Elmont. “I’m humbled, and look forward to doing good for the residents and supporting the quality of services that they deserve.

“My opponent raised $400,000 in this campaign, and I only raised $30,000,” Solages added. “Despite the money, it showed that financial might does not always make a right.”

Public safety, affordable housing and quality-of-life initiatives took center stage in the contest between Solages and Ali. Solages branded himself as a tried-and-tested, results-focused incumbent. At the top of his list of proudest legislative achievements was when Solages and his fellow Democrats in the minority helped expand the eligibility pool for tax benefits with a proposal sent to Albany last year.

Both candidates voiced the need to ease county taxpayers’ financial burdens, keeping a lid on the tax rate and providing benefits where possible, amid the county’s financial surplus.

“People don’t really like the direction the country is heading in, you know, with the affordability crisis, quality-of-life and crime issues,” said Ali, a county prosecutor and political newcomer. “So we gave it everything we had, and at the end of the day, whatever happens, happens.”

During his campaign, Ali did not shy from touting his job experience, signaling his ability to better connect with police officials, advocate for a more visible police presence, and expand their outreach.

“I’m a Muslim American, and there’s a huge influx of a Muslim American population in my district,” Ali told Herald reporters at a Roundtable last month. “I feel like it’s a population that’s been ignored for a very, very long time. So, there’s excitement now people feel like they have a voice. People feel like they’re being heard, and they’re being represented.”

Although he promised to improve the district’s quality of life, Ali offered few specifics when it came to policies.

In the race for Hempstead Town Board, Melissa “Missy” Miller won an easy victory over first-time Democratic challenger Ingrid Izaguirre in her bid for her first full term. Miller earned roughly 68 percent of Tuesday’s ballot count.

Miller was appointed to the board when Bruce Blakeman was elected county executive in 2022.

“I’m very happy with the results, and humbled that my constituents have put their faith in me again,” Miller said. “I will not let them down. I will continue to work hard for everyone.”

Izaguirre could not be reached for comment as the Herald went to press.

Republican Bill Gaylor won a fifth consecutive term as county legislator. “We did it again,” Gaylor told the county Republican Committee Tuesday night. “They said it was a target to take me out. Well, we showed them what we can do.”

Gaylor was challenged by Democrat Jake Scheiner, a first-time candidate. Gaylor will serve the Legislature’s newly drawn 14th District, which includes Lynbrook, East Rockaway, Malverne, Lakeview, West Hempstead and a small portion of Valley Stream.