Republican incumbent John Ciotti will continue his work as legislator of the 3rd Legislative District. Winning by just over 1,000 votes, Ciotti, who received roaring applause at Republican Headquarters Tuesday night, received 7,168 votes. His challenger, Democrat Larry DeAngelis, tallied 6,039 votes.

"The Democrats targeted my area but unlike the other ones where they announced that they pulled a Pearl Harbor chairman, a few weeks ago my leader Joe Cairo sat with the chairman and explained what was going on and tonight was the product - we won, they lost," he said.

Republican Chairman Joe Mondello thanked all the candidates for their hard work. "I salute each and every one of you. We've kept our Town of Oyster Bay, we've kept our Town of Hempstead and it's all due to the work that you have accomplished," he said.

Nassau County voters helped the Valley Stream resident retain his seat in the 3rd Legislative District, a position he's held since the Nassau County Legislature was formed six years ago.

The district, which encompasses Elmont, part of Floral Park, Franklin Square and part of North Valley Stream, is unique in that it has a diverse population as well as the largest senior population out of any district in the legislature, Ciotti said.

A primary goal for Ciotti while in office is to make it possible for seniors to stay in their homes and for young people to settle in Nassau County, which sometimes seems like an impossible mission considering rising taxes and costs of properties.