Surrounded by Elected Officials, Tom McNally Unanimously Re-Elected as Huntington GOP Chair, New Officers Elected

Huntington, NY – Huntington Republican Party Chairman Thomas McNally was unanimously re-elected at the Committee’s reorganizational meeting held at the Huntington American Legion Post 360 in Halesite on Wednesday, July 6.

“It is a humbling honor to have your support and be re-elected to serve as your leader,” said Chairman Tom McNally to a crowded room of committee members, including Town Supervisor Ed Smyth, Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo, Councilman Sal Ferro, Town Clerk Andrew Raia, Highway Superintendent Andre Sorrentino, County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi, County Legislator Manny Esteban, former Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia and retired Suffolk County Supreme Court Judge Jerry Asher.

Chairman Tom McNally, Congressman Lee Zeldin, and future Vice Chairman Jim Leonick at a Zeldin for Governor event in May 2022.

Chairman Tom McNally was first elected at a special meeting held in September 2020 to fill the vacancy created by the death of former Chairman Toni Tepe. Taking on the role of Huntington Republican Party leader six weeks before Election Day 2020, Chairman McNally presided over two General Elections giving the Huntington Republicans their largest victories in decades, starting with the election of State Senator Mario Mattera (SD2) and Assemblyman Keith Brown (AD12) in 2020.

Chairman McNally then began to deliver on his promise to expand the ranks of the Huntington Republican Committee with a “big tent” philosophy, doing outreach to grow the party and recruit supporters of diverse backgrounds while undertaking the next election cycle, which brought unprecedented gains in November 2021.

In 2021, the Huntington Republicans held onto the Town Supervisor’s seat and one Council seat, while flipping another Council seat held by Democrats for 24 years and beating a Democrat incumbent to flip the Highway Superintendent seat to Republican control. Under Chairman McNally’s leadership, the town elected Supervisor Ed Smyth, Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo, Councilman Sal Ferro, and Highway Superintendent Andre Sorrentino.

In 2021, Chairman McNally presided over historic gains in Suffolk County, flipping two County Legislator seats from Democrat to Republican control, electing County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi, County Legislator Manny Esteban and re-electing County Legislator Rob Trotta, giving the County Legislature its first Republican Majority in 16 years. Chairman McNally’s leadership also helped Suffolk County Republicans deliver their first District Attorney in 20 years, Ray Tierney.

A new Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary were also unanimously elected to join Chairman McNally on the Huntington Republican Committee Executive Board.

Longtime Executive Committee member Jim Leonick of East Northport was elected Vice Chairman. Jim has also served on the Huntington Republican Committee’s Law Committee and is a former candidate. A local attorney and managing member of Leonick Law, P.L.L.C., focusing on plaintiff’s personal injury, estate and elder law planning, and real estate, Jim has been an active volunteer in numerous local community organizations, including the Rotary Club, Boy Scouts and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Jim was appointed in September 2020 to serve as an appellate administrative law judge for the Town of Huntington’s Bureau of Administrative Adjudication; Jim resigned that role in early 2022 to resume his role with the Huntington Republican Committee.

Tax accountant and local real estate broker Jonas Wagner was elected Treasurer. Jonas, a Dix Hills resident, was born and raised in Huntington and attended South Huntington Schools. Jonas has been volunteering since 2012, also serving as Treasurer for various candidates and elected officials, including former Town Supervisor and Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci, Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo, and Superintendent of Highways Andre Sorrentino before his Highway run.

Diane McNally, a member of the Executive Committee who has led the Fundraising Committee since 2020, was elected Secretary. Since Chairman McNally assumed the role of party leader in September 2020, Diane has led efforts to recruit a team, organize and expand fundraising for the Huntington Republican Committee. Diane, a Centerport resident, is a longtime insurance professional who previously served on the Board of the Republican Women of Huntington.

In the photo (l-r): Tom McNally; Congressman Lee Zeldin; Jim Leonick at a Zeldin for Governor event in May 2022.

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