Previously Published in The Messenger
By Matt Meduri
The Second District on the Islip Town Council is open in this November’s elections, following the retirement of Councilman Jim O’Connor (R-Great River) in his quest for a judicial position.
Republican and Conservative-endorsed candidate DawnMarie Kuhn (R-Bohemia) delivered a commanding performance in her first campaign finance filing, raising more than $52,000 since launching her bid for Islip Town Council District Two in March—nearly ten times more than her Democratic opponent, David Chan (D-Oakdale).
According to her July periodic report filed with the New York State Board of Elections, Kuhn reported 200 individual contributions to her campaign, including 176 small-dollar donations of $100 or less. Her filing shows a cash-on-hand total of $40,079.34, a figure that dwarfs her opponent’s reported $5,800 from fewer than 38 donations.
“I am incredibly humbled to have had so many hard-working residents of the Town of Islip donate to my campaign,” said Kuhn. “It is truly an honor to receive so much support this early on.”
Her fundraising operation reflects a broad base of grassroots support, with contributions ranging from $10 to $2,500. In contrast, more than half of her opponent’s contributions reportedly came from large donors giving $500 or $1,000, suggesting a narrower donor base.
“It’s clear DawnMarie’s campaign is powered by the people,” said one local supporter. “She’s earning trust one conversation at a time.”
Kuhn, a lifelong Town of Islip resident, brings a diverse background in government, education, and small business. She says she’s ready to serve from day one and hopes to focus on lowering taxes, improving government efficiency, and preserving Islip’s suburban quality of life.
“Now is not the time for on-the-job training,” said Kuhn. “The residents of Council District Two deserve a representative who is prepared to lead and deliver results starting day one.”
Islip Town Republican Chairman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook) praised Kuhn’s strong start.
“DawnMarie’s impressive grassroots fundraising shows exactly why she’s the right candidate to represent Council District Two,” said Smith. “She has the energy, experience, and deep roots in our community to deliver real results for Islip families. This is what momentum looks like.”
As the campaign heats up, Kuhn says she will continue reaching voters across the district to share her vision for the future of Islip.
“This early support will allow us to amplify our message and build on the momentum we’ve already created,” said Kuhn.
The Second District includes Bohemia, East Islip, Great River, Islip Terrace, North Great River, Oakdale, and parts of Central Islip, Hauppauge, Islip hamlet, Sayville, and West Sayville.
In 2021, Islip transitioned their Town Council races from an at-large system to a councilmanic district system. That year featured the Second District’s first time on the ballot as a standalone constituency. Councilman O’Connor won the election with 68.62% of the vote to 31.38% over Darrin Green (D).