Jesse Garcia was re-elected chairman of the Suffolk County Republican Committee, marking the fifth time he has stood before the committee to be chosen as its leader. Garcia expressed deep gratitude to the dedicated committee members and town leaders for their continued faith, trust, and support.
“I am humbled and honored by the great responsibility you have once again entrusted in me to lead this Committee for the next two years,” Garcia said to a standing-room crowd. “The Republican Committee Member is, and always will be to me, the First Among Equals. You are the volunteers who knock on doors, circulate petitions, and work tirelessly to ensure Republican victories at the ballot box. Together, we are the heartbeat of our party.”
Under Garcia’s leadership, the Suffolk GOP has earned statewide and national recognition for its effectiveness at the ballot box. Historic wins — including flipping the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office from Democrat to Republican for the first time in 20 years by electing Ray Tierney in 2021, electing Ed Romaine as County Executive in 2023, and securing a Republican supermajority in the Legislature that same year after capturing the chamber majority in 2021 — have cemented Suffolk County as the “tip of the spear” and the “engine of the New York State Republican Party.”
As the committee looks ahead, Garcia reaffirmed a bold vision for the future:
- Protecting and expanding the Republican supermajority in the Suffolk Legislature this November.
- Continuing to deliver on promises to make Suffolk safer, more secure, and more affordable.
- Setting its sights statewide on electing a Republican governor to change the direction of New York.
“Our peers across New York are inspired by our success, while our political opponents fear our effectiveness,” Garcia said. “But this is just the beginning. Together, we will continue to build on our victories, defend Suffolk County, and fight to restore balance and opportunity across New York State.”
The chairman’s name was placed in nomination by Betty Manzella, the vice chair of the Brookhaven Town Republican Committee and Garcia’s longtime ally and confidant. Smithtown GOP Leader Bill Ellis seconded the nomination, and following Tierney, addressed the convention, a unanimous vote certified the chairman’s election. All 10 town GOP organizations also seconded the nomination.
Garcia closed with a message of resolve: “You have once again sent a clear message: You don’t mess with the Suffolk GOP. I look forward to working alongside you for the victories to come in November and for the years ahead. Together, we will write the next great chapter for our party and our communities.”