In an intimate gathering at Schout Bay Tavern in her hometown of Manhasset, supporters of Elaine Phillips came to wish her well and wait with her for the results of the Seventh District Senate seat election. With her husband, Andy, by her side and daughters, Hannah, Kate and Sarah, rooting for her, Phillips warmly greeted her friends, colleagues and supporters.
After relentlessly campaigning for months and knocking on thousands of constituents’ doors, Phillips was happy to take this time with her supporters before she had to head off to Republican Headquarters in Westbury.
The polls closed at 9 p.m., but tallies were slow coming in. The crowd watched the results for U.S. Senate declared for Chuck Schumer and still had no outcome for the local races, though spirits remained gracious. The first results were finally posted for the Seventh Senate District at close to 11 p.m. Phillips was ahead, and everyone cheered.
“I admire anyone who puts themselves out there, and runs for public office,” said Peter Keogh, co-owner of Schout Bay Tavern. “It makes us feel part of the community to have Elaine, her family and team gather at Schout Bay to watch the votes come in.”
Amongst her staunchest supporters was Eileen McQuade Koufakis, who said, “Elaine is a woman who leads with a quiet strength. She holds herself to the highest of ethical standards yet has a kindness that is nonjudgmental. She is not another politician looking to make a career, she wants to make a better future for us all. We are lucky to be represented by her.”
The results continued to come in with Phillips leading opponent Adam Haber. Ultimately, Phillips won 51.61 percent of the 127,308 votes cast with a final of 65,709 votes to 61,548.
“I worked my tail off and I wanted to serve the community,” Haber said. “I wish Elaine Phillips well and if I can help to make her community a better place, I’m here.”
At the end, Phillips said: “There are so many people to thank, starting with my husband, Andy, and my three beautiful daughters, who were beside me every step of this journey, as well as the hundreds of volunteers who worked hard to see this campaign to its finish. Mostly, though, I want to thank the voters. I am honored and humbled by the trust that you placed in me. Now, I’m ready to get to work to create the bright future that every Long Islander deserves.”
Read “Phillips Stands Up To Fight Corruption As The Republican Candidate For The Seventh Senate District.”
