Democrats hope the path to home control starts on Long Island

“Anything that will defeat Trump and the Republican madness,” said Mark Rubin, 64, a retired manufacturing company founder who voted emphatically for Mr. Suozzi, especially because Mr. Suozzi is not a member of Mr. Trump’s party. “Make sure the Democratic Party can be counted on.”

Victor Basile, 71, and his wife, Lois Basile, said they had been Republicans all their lives but switched to becoming registered Democrats after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Still, they said they were trying to support the best candidate, regardless of party affiliation, and voted for Mr. Suozzi.

“After what was going on with the Republican Party, we just said, 'You know, I don't want to be associated with it,'” said Mr. Basile, a retired advertiser. “I have never remembered people being so decisive, one party against the other, for the sake of the party.”

Ms Basile, 68, a retired nurse, added: “It's a bit scary, the country as it is now.”

Voter interviews showed that crime was still a concern. Robyn Smith, who lives in Roslyn, said surveillance video showed attempted thefts of her family's cars. Her children had lived through multiple school closures, she said, and she fears for her safety when she shops at Roosevelt Field in nearby Garden City, one of the county's largest malls: “Every time I go there, I have to take off all my shoes.” put out. jewellery. I can't carry anything.”

Chris Cavalli, 37, a restaurateur and Republican from Mineola, said when it comes to crime, he gives his party an edge. “I would like to see Republicans take a more conservative approach to spending and take a tough stance on crime, illegal immigration and accountability,” he said, adding that Democrats were trying to “restrict American freedoms on everything, from speech to weapons.”