Pat Halpin Launches Campaign Against Andrew Garbarino
Pat Halpin, the former Suffolk County executive, is making a political return, vying for a position against Rep. Andrew Garbarino, whom he has dubbed “sleepy Drew.”
Halpin kicked off his campaign for the 2026 election in Babylon on Monday, criticizing Republican incumbents for being, well, lackadaisical in their roles. He expressed, “Our representative Andrew Garbarino is literally sleeping at the wheel.”
He continued, pointing out that Garbarino seems inattentive while making crucial decisions on healthcare funding, food assistance cuts, and tax credits benefiting billionaires.
Having served as Suffolk’s youngest elected official, Halpin believes he brings a “get it done” attitude to the table, highlighting his extensive experience in politics.
His tenure as county executive lasted from 1988 to 1991, during which he initiated the Long Island Housing Partnership and improved various community programs, including those focused on domestic violence and drug prevention in schools. His campaign emphasized his dedication to land conservation efforts as well.
Halpin stated, “I know every part of this district—it’s filled with good, hardworking people. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Democrat, Republican, or Independent; young or old, I’ll be your go-to lawmaker.”
He added that he would work to address any problems constituents face, whether fixing potholes or ensuring Medicaid protection.
On the other hand, Garbarino has positioned himself as a moderate within the Republican Party. He has supported various initiatives, such as the January 6th committee and same-sex marriage legislation, and has contributed to President Biden’s bipartisan efforts on infrastructure and cybersecurity.
Despite his commitments, Halpin suggests that Garbarino’s impact at home is lacking, describing him as someone who travels to Washington without adequately serving Suffolk County constituents. Some even within Garbarino’s party appear discontented, with critiques pointing out his apparent inattentiveness during significant votes.
In a lighthearted jab, Jennifer Armúngo, a Patchogue resident, remarked, “For four years, people called Biden ‘Sleepy Joe.’ [Garbarino] literally slept through a vote. You should call him ‘Sleepy Drew’—he’s my vote.”
Halpin concluded his announcement by asserting that voters are frustrated with ongoing dysfunction, insisting that Long Islanders deserve better than what they’re getting from Washington.
Garbarino has not publicly responded to requests for comment.
