Rich Barrabi

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Oct 22, 2026, 5:50 AM

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Updated

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One of the most competitive local races in Suffolk County this year is the contest for Riverhead town supervisor, where Democratic incumbent Jerry Halpin is seeking reelection after winning the office by just 37 votes last year.

Halpin said he understands how competitive Riverhead politics can be. Residents have elected six different supervisors since 2009, highlighting a history of political turnover in the East End town.

"I know how special this time is, to be in this seat," Halpin said.

Halpin is seeking a full two-year term as supervisor. The current term duration was limited to just one year to align with a new state law that moves most local elections to even years.

"I feel like every day I wake up and every day I go to work to earn the honor and the humble honor to be the supervisor," Halpin said.

Halpin said he is proud of delivering on a campaign promise not to exceed the property tax cap. Looking ahead, he said he will continue to oppose large warehouses and artificial intelligence data centers in an effort to preserve Riverhead's landscape.

"It's just not something that I'm going to entertain," Halpin said.

Challenging Halpin is Republican Town Board member Ken Rothwell, of Wading River.

Rothwell said Riverhead must continue expanding its tax base while protecting its agricultural heritage. He pointed to the EPCAL site in Calverton as a key opportunity for economic development.

"We have met with a couple of real estate companies that work with defense contracts, and we feel really confident that we're going to be able to bring in good, high tech, high paying, potentially computer jobs," Rothwell said.

Rothwell also said Riverhead voters have demonstrated that they expect accountability from local leaders.

"Over the past few years, Riverhead has certainly had a significant changeover in supervisors over a short duration of time, and I look forward to the challenge," Rothwell said.

The winner of the race will serve a full two-year term as Riverhead town supervisor.