Election 2012: Ra Earns Second Term in State Assembly

Incumbent Edward Ra, R-Franklin Square, won a second term in the New York State Assembly Tuesday, this time for the newly redrawn 19th District.

Although his challenger Gary Port, D-West Hempstead, took a small, early lead when the first batch of precincts were reported -- 6,289 votes (42.25 percent) to Ra's 8,591 (57.72 percent) -- Ra took control of the race soon after and ended the night with a decisive victory.

With a total of 24,759 votes to 15,114, Ra  secured 61 percent of the vote while Port earned just under 38 percent. The assemblyman issued this statement to Patch after securing the victory:

"I want to thank the residents of the 19th Assembly District for showing confidence in me and re-electing me as their Assemblyman.  I look forward to working with them on the many issues that confront this district.  I am proud to represent communities that have come together at such a difficult time for Long Islanders to help our friends and neighbors. Certainly all those affected by Hurricane Sandy will continue to be on our minds are as we try to bring appropriate aide and resources to rebuilding the hardest hit areas of Long Island and assisting our residents and small business owners who will continue to feel the effects of this storm in the weeks and months to come."

Ra, a lifelong Franklin Square resident and Ranking Minority Member of the Racing and Wagering Committee, was first elected to the Assembly's 21st District in 2010.

This was Port's first campaign for the New York State Assembly. Last November he challenged Kate Murray for her seat as Town of Hempstead Supervisor, but lost to the long-time GOP incumbent.

The new 19th Assembly District includes part of West Hempstead, Albertson, Franklin Square, Garden City, Garden City Park, Glen Head, New Hyde Park, Carle Place, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Westbury and Williston Park.