How the editorial board assesses races for Congress

Starting Tuesday, the Newsday editorial board will publish its endorsements of candidates running for seats in the House of Representatives. The tumultuous 2020 redistricting process carved up Long Island’s four districts into new shapes; many communities have new names on their ballots. Three districts are open seats, and the lone incumbent’s district has been substantially shifted. Each endorsement will include maps with new district lines overlaid on old ones to help orient voters.

In our extensive reviews of the candidates’ backgrounds, work experience, governing skills, and people skills, it’s clear that seven of the eight have the credentials to ably represent their districts. So what makes us choose one over the other? We do not go by party labels, even though there is a national battle for control of the chamber. We recommend candidates who can work in a bipartisan manner, regardless of which party wins the majority.

We interviewed candidates individually to help us evaluate who can do the most for their districts, each of which has unique needs. While representatives deal with federal government matters, especially revenue raising and spending, decisions such as allocating dollars for infrastructure or changing immigration law can have huge consequences for local communities. The $4.9 billion in American Rescue Plan funding that will flow directly to New York counties, cities and villages outside New York City is but one example. Money to build sewers to protect our aquifer and consistent funding to preserve Long Island Sound or make our coastline more resilient are other examples. Representatives with significant experience in government have a head start in understanding how the process works and what they need to do for their residents. Issues come and go, but skill sets and the ability to forge alliances will always make a difference. 

Television ads, mailers, and top lines of poll surveys seem to focus on public safety and abortion, and there is little doubt many voters might want to cast their ballots to send a message, maybe more of a scream, about their feelings on those matters. When it comes to Congress and crime spikes, the ability to effectuate change is primarily through funding, for metal health services or federal-local law enforcement task forces to work on investigations and training. Congress can also pass legislation to control or ban the sale of weapons.

As for abortion, June’s Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade returned regulation of the procedure to the states. Abortion opponents now see the door open to enacting a federal ban on abortion while abortion supporters say they want to “codify” Roe into federal law. Neither approach is likely to be enacted in the next session of Congress, and, if it was, the legality of such measures most likely will be decided by the Supreme Court. 

The editorial board hopes these endorsements bring insights into the candidates and issues in your district.