DIX HILLS, NY – October 21, 2026
The Half Hollow Hills PTA Council hosted its annual Meet the Candidates Night on Wednesday, October 21, at Half Hollow Hills High School East in Dix Hills, bringing together candidates for county, state and federal offices and residents preparing for the November 3 election.
Moderated by June Margolin, President of Huntington Matters, the nonpartisan forum gave voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their backgrounds, priorities and positions on issues affecting Long Island.
The evening featured discussions about housing affordability, rising utility costs, state spending, infrastructure, youth services, substance use prevention, support for individuals with disabilities, healthcare and immigration enforcement. Candidates also addressed the responsibilities of the offices they are seeking.
Questions submitted by audience members were incorporated into the forum, with student volunteers helping collect questions and keep the evening organized.
Participating Candidates
The following candidates participated in the 2026 Half Hollow Hills PTA Council Meet the Candidates Night:
Suffolk County Comptroller
- Jon Estreich (Democratic)
New York State Assembly, District 10
- Steve Stern (Democratic, Incumbent)
New York State Assembly, District 11
- Kwani O’Pharrow (Democratic, Incumbent)
New York State Assembly, District 12
- David D. Weber Jr. (Republican, Conservative)
- Craig G. Herskowitz (Democratic, Working Families)
New York State Senate, District 2
- Mario R. Mattera (Republican, Conservative, Incumbent)
- Harjot Singh (Democratic)
U.S. House of Representatives, District 1
- Christopher J. Gallant (Democratic)
New York State Supreme Court
- Hon. Mary Porter (Democratic)
- Hon. Stephen L. Ukeiley (Democratic)
Suffolk County Clerk, Write-In Candidates
- Abigail Field (Democratic)
- Christian Padgett (Libertarian)
Watch the Full Candidate Forum
Huntington Matters recorded the event in its entirety, providing residents who could not attend an opportunity to hear the candidates’ remarks and responses firsthand.
The recording includes candidate introductions, audience questions and discussions organized by elected office.
Photography and Videography by Dana E. Richter. Video Editing by June Margolin.
