Curran Defeats Thomas in Assembly Race

Republican Brian Curran defeated Democrat Dermond Thomas in the race for the open 14th Assembly District seat on Tuesday.

Unofficial results from the Nassau County Board of Elections show Curran with 22,139 votes to Thomas' 14,430, with 99 percent of precincts reporting. 

Curran, currently the Lynbrook village mayor, said he was "overwhelmed" at being elected, and attributed his success to residents — 71 percent of Lynbrook voters chose Curran — and his fellow trustees on the village board. Curran announced victory at the VFW Post in Lynbrook.

"It's very gratifying that all the hard work of the past four years was seen by the residents of Lynbrook, and for that I will be forever grateful," Curran said.

Once in office, Curran said he hopes to convey a powerful message to 14th Assembly District residents.

"The most important thing I want them to know is they have someone who's going to work hard and fight for them every single day," Curran said. "That's what the people of Lynbrook know — that's what I want everybody in Baldwin, Oceanside, Rockville Centre, and Valley Stream to know going forward."

Thomas' campaign manager, Derek Donnelly, said early this morning they were waiting to see more numbers come in prior to making any announcements.

"I don't know that there will be a concession or there won't be a concession," Donnelly said. "I think this campaign is, was, and will continue to be about issues. Whether we win or lose, it's still about working hard to make our community better."

Curran and Thomas were running for the seat long held by Assemblyman Bob Barra, R-Lynbrook. Barra announced earlier this year that he would not seek a sixth term, and supported Curran as his replacement.

Curran will take office on Jan. 1, 2011.