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Galant and Venturus Lay Out Competing Plans for Long Island's 1st District in League Debate
Summary
At a League of Women Voters'moderated debate, Democratic primary candidates Chris Galant and Lucas Venturus clashed on strategy and priorities for New York's 1st Congressional District, with both pledging to prioritize infrastructure, affordable housing and health care while differing on outreach and messaging.
The League of Women Voters of the Hamptons, Shelter Island and the North Fork hosted a virtual debate between Democratic primary candidates Chris Galant and Lucas Venturus on issues ranging from housing and immigration to climate and congressional oversight.
Galant, who highlighted his military service and local volunteer work, said he ran "because I've watched what's happening to our democracy and it's time to actually step up and fight," and promised to hold town halls and bring federal dollars to the district.
Venturus, who described himself as a "first-generation American" and a longtime organizer, framed his candidacy around changing Democratic campaign strategy. "The party has been doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results," he said, calling for sustained, community-based outreach to disaffected working-class, Latino and male voters.
Both candidates identified East End priorities such as protecting shorelines and supporting farmers and fishermen. Galant said he would "fight in Congress to bring money here on the federal side" for infrastructure and shoreline protection; Venturus pointed to tariff pressures and supply-chain disruptions that he said have hurt wineries and farms.
On immigration, Venturus argued for a "top-to-bottom" overhaul and pathways to legal status for long-term workers, saying the current system "criminalizes" people. Galant emphasized oversight of detention centers, calling for transparency and accountability and reiterating support for a pathway to citizenship.
Health care and climate were shared priorities. Venturus said he supports Medicare for All or a phased public option and Medicare'negotiated drug prices; Galant called for protecting existing programs and expanding Medicare benefits while working to lower costs. Both candidates pledged to advance climate policy and federal investments to protect the district from stronger storms.
The debate also touched on AI, education, term limits and whether Congress should pursue impeachment of the president. Venturus said aggressive oversight and, if warranted, impeachment were appropriate; Galant emphasized legislation and restoring Congress's lawmaking and oversight functions.
In closing statements, Venturus promised a "kitchen table" style of leadership and to put the working class first. Galant pledged to hold town halls and remain accessible to constituents. The moderator reminded viewers that primary election day is June 23, with early voting in Suffolk County June 13'1 and that Southampton College is not an early voting site due to a scheduling conflict.
