Staten Island Democrat Challenges Republican Stronghold

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. d-democrat-challenges-republican-stronghold.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 9:55 GMT by Staten Island Advance
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

Staten Island's Shifting Sands: Can a Democrat Finally Flip NYC's Republican Stronghold?

For decades, Staten Island has stood apart. While the rest of New York City leans overwhelmingly Democratic, the borough has remained a Republican stronghold, consistently sending a GOP representative to Congress. That streak, however, is facing its most serious challenge yet. As we head into the 2026 election cycle, the battle for New York's 11th Congressional District - encompassing all of Staten Island - is shaping up to be a fierce and closely watched contest, potentially signaling a dramatic shift in the political landscape of the city.

Incumbent Republican Representative Nick LaLota, elected in 2022, is currently facing a strong challenge from Democratic candidate Liuba Grecko. While LaLota secured victory in the previous election with a roughly four percentage point margin over then-incumbent Max Rose, recent polling data suggests the race has significantly tightened. The 2026 rematch is far from a guaranteed win for the Republican party.

What's driving this potential shift? Several key factors are converging to create a more competitive environment. The most notable is the changing demographics and voter registration trends on Staten Island. Historically, the borough enjoyed a comfortable Republican registration advantage, peaking around five percentage points in 2022. However, that advantage has not only eroded but flipped. Current figures now show a Democratic registration lead of approximately two percentage points - a significant swing in a relatively short period. This shift reflects an influx of new residents, particularly younger voters and those from diverse backgrounds, who often lean Democratic.

Beyond registration numbers, the demographic makeup of Staten Island itself is evolving. While the borough remains predominantly white, the Hispanic and Asian populations are demonstrably growing. These communities often prioritize different issues and align with different political ideologies, contributing to the broader trend towards a more competitive electorate. Grecko's campaign appears to be strategically targeting these growing demographics with tailored messaging and outreach efforts.

The candidates themselves are offering contrasting visions for the borough. Grecko, a former prosecutor, is framing her campaign around the needs of working families and emphasizing issues like traffic congestion, soaring property taxes, and the critical need for affordable housing - all concerns that deeply resonate with Staten Island residents. Her message centers on bringing federal resources back to the borough to address these local challenges and advocating for policies that benefit everyday citizens.

LaLota, for his part, is doubling down on traditional conservative principles and frequently criticizes Grecko's policy proposals as being too progressive for the district. He is attempting to portray himself as a defender of Staten Island's unique character and values, while framing Grecko as an outsider representing the interests of the broader Democratic party. This strategy aims to solidify support among the borough's remaining Republican base and appeal to independent voters who may be wary of progressive policies.

The financial aspect of the race is also noteworthy. Grecko's campaign has been surprisingly well-funded, allowing her to invest in advertising, organize events, and build a robust ground game. This financial advantage is enabling her to effectively disseminate her message and reach a wider audience. LaLota, while benefiting from Republican party support, is facing a surprisingly competitive fundraising environment.

Experts suggest the outcome of this election will hinge on the ability of each candidate to mobilize their respective bases and sway the crucial bloc of undecided voters. Turnout will be key, and both campaigns are investing heavily in voter outreach and get-out-the-vote efforts. The national political climate could also play a role, as a strong showing for Democrats nationally could create a favorable wave for Grecko, while a Republican surge could bolster LaLota's chances.

If Grecko were to succeed, it would mark a historic turning point - making Staten Island the last New York City district to fall into Democratic hands and dramatically altering the political makeup of the city's congressional delegation. The 2026 election is more than just a local race; it's a bellwether for the evolving political landscape of New York City and a test of whether demographic shifts and changing voter preferences can overcome decades of Republican dominance.