Murray To Keep 3rd Assembly District Seat

Assemblyman Dean Murray, R-C-Patchogue, declared victory over Robert Calarco, D-I-WF-Patchogue, to retain the 3rd Assembly District seat early Wednesday morning. With 100 percent of the election districts reporting, Murray led Calarco 53.3 percent to 46.7 percent.

Murray will now serve his first two-year term in the position after being initially sworn in as assemblyman in February as a result of a special election.

"I'm absolutely thrilled," Murray said. "The people have spoken and want to go back to basics and bring common sense back to government."

Murray said his initial plans are to team with State Sen.-Elect Lee Zeldin, R-I-C-Shirley, who defeated State Sen. Brian Foley, D-WF-Blue Point, on Tuesday, to tackle the MTA payroll tax.

Calarco said that it was a close race and congratulates Murray for his win.

"I ran a good race, stuck to the issues, had a good debate and offered the people a choice," Calarco said.

Story updated at 11:46 a.m.