This is the third in a series of articles introducing you to the Freshmen Class members of the Republican Main Street Partnership. This week: Rep. Andrew Garbarino, 36, of New York.
District/Area Served: New York Second District, representing the South Shore of Long Island including southwestern Suffolk County and southeastern Nassau County. The district includes vibrant downtown areas, as well as a portion of the Fire Island beaches.
Background: Lifelong Long Islander with a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University and a law degree from Hofstra University on Long Island. He worked as a practicing attorney with his father at their family law firm after graduation in his hometown of Sayville.
Family: Andrew is the proud son of a teacher and a lawyer and small business owner. He has a brother and two sisters. He also has three Godchildren - Lincoln, Madaline, and Abigail. He is a devout Roman Catholic and still attends mass on Sundays at St Lawrence Catholic Church, the same church where he was baptized.
Legislative Priorities: Restore the SALT deduction, be a voice for our men and women in law enforcement, and work on a bipartisan basis to secure real solutions for Long Islanders. As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee’s Cybersecurity Subcommittee, he is committed to defending our nation against cyberspace threats, combatting terrorism, and strengthening our border security.
Political Experience: Represented much of the South Shore in the NY State Assembly since 2013, taking on the liberal Albany machine and “spoke out against the disastrous bail-reform package advanced by the Democrats in the state legislature.”
Quote: “I believe in fighting for those who give everything for their fellow citizens – the brave men and women in law enforcement as well as our veterans.”
Media Comment: “I am delighted to support Andrew Garbarino to represent the good people of Long Island. These hard-working citizens need a strong advocate who will put their interests over politics and fight hard against the extreme progressive left policies of Congressional Democrats. That is what I have always done and I know Andrew will too.” – Peter King Endorsement
What advice did you get before you arrived in Congress? Former Congressman Pete King gave me some great advice which was to take advantage of every opportunity—to see, do and learn as much as I can.
What’s the question that you wish more people would ask themselves? Before pursuing legislation, how will this law affect people’s lives practically, instead of just in theory?
What does success in 2021 look like for you? Success would be looking back on my first year in Congress and seeing that the policies I’ve supported and the legislation I’ve worked on has tangibly improved the lives of my constituents.
What do you think is the best path to breaking gridlock in Congress? The American people didn’t send us to Congress to watch us fight about what we disagree on. To get past gridlock we must put partisanship aside and work together on what we can agree on that will better the lives of our constituents.
At what point in your life did you realize you had the power of change or the power to do something meaningful? When working as an attorney at my family’s law firm in Sayville, I was inspired by the family-oriented community in Long Island. It was then that I knew I wanted to make a difference and decided to run for State Assembly in New York.
How do you want to be remembered? As someone who goes to bat for my constituents. I hope people consider me to be someone who doesn’t just follow the party line, but works to find the best possible solutions to the problems my constituents face regardless of politics.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received (and who gave it to you)? When I was growing up, my mom always said to me, “Andrew, make sure you do the right thing.” That has always stuck with me.
Interesting fact that’s not on your resume? My nickname growing up was Baker (my high school friends still call me that).
What advice would you give yourself coming out of college? Buy Amazon Stock and Bitcoin.
What gets you down? How do you bounce back? Coming in last place in my fantasy football league and as a result having to jump into the Great South Bay in February. I’ll bounce back by winning my league next year!
Who or what is inspiring you right now? The fact that law enforcement goes to work every day in service of their communities even though the public discourse over the last year has been against them. I’m inspired by their commitment to protect and serve.
What’s your go-to song for karaoke? I love Karaoke and I’d have to say that my go-to song for a duet is "Love Shack" and for a solo is "The Weight" by The Band.
