Who's In the Race

New York's 1st Congressional District seat is open for 2026, paving the way for a face off between Republican incumbent Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY) and Democratic challenger Chris Gallant in the Nov. 3 general election. LaLota has represented the district since January 2023, previously serving in the U.S. Navy from 2000 to 2007 and in local Long Island government beginning in 2008. LaLota ran unopposed in the Republican primary. ​

Gallant is a New York Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopter pilot who has served in the Guard since 2006, and also works as an air traffic controller, union leader and volunteer firefighter. Gallant won the Democratic primary on June 23, topping runner-up Lukas Ventouras.

What They Stand For

LaLota supports stronger border security, and his campaign website calls for "a more affordable, prosperous way of life" that includes addressing inflation, the economy and taxes. His campaign website also emphasizes his focus on "delivering results for clean water," and notes that LaLota has helped to raise more than $120 million for the Long Island Sound and Peconic Estuary. He currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee as well as the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Gallant opposes cuts or privatization of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, according to his campaign website. He also supports increased federal investments to reduce housing costs and has pledged to lower the cost of living for Long Islanders through a series of congressional actions, including supporting legislation that would lower the cost of prescription drugs for senior citizens and veterans in particular.

The Money Behind the Race

Federal Election Commission filings show LaLota raised about $3.8 million through June 30 and had about $3.3 million in cash on hand. Gallant trailed behind, having raised about $648,000 through June 30 and had about $172,000 in the bank, according to FEC filings.

Outside spending in the race totaled just $1,181 as of Oct. 13, all of it supporting Gallant, with Field Team 6, Inc. as the sole spender.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report rated the race "Solid Republican" as of Oct. 9, Sabato's Crystal Ball rated it "Likely Republican" as of Oct. 11, and Inside Elections also rated it "Solid Republican" as of Oct. 2.

On Kalshi, traders gave Republicans an 86.14% chance of winning as of Oct. 13.

LaLota won the district in 2022 with about 47% of the vote and won again in 2024. Statewide, Democrats won 19 of New York's 26 U.S. House seats in 2024, while Democrat Kamala Harris carried New York in the 2024 presidential election with about 55% of the vote.

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