Catherine Stark wins GOP Primary for Suffolk County Legislator

Catherine Stark is the projected winner of the Republican primary for Suffolk County Legislator in the 1st District. Ms. Stark defeated challenger Greg Williams of Cutchogue by an unofficial count of 1,350 to 810, securing 62% of the votes.

“I’m very happy with the win,” Ms. Stark said afterward. “I’m very happy with the message we put out, and I’m happy that the voters of the North Fork came through. 

Ms. Stark’s opponent for the 1st District seat in the November general election will be Democrat Catherine Kent, a former Riverhead Town Councilwoman. 

Ms. Stark, who has never held public office, said her message will stay the same regardless of who she faces. 

“I will stick to the message that we have had for the last  three months and I will stand with the rest of the Republican platform. I believe I will be successful because I think tonight shows that’s what the voters of the North Fork are interested in.”

As for the Tuesday’s results, she said, “I’m just very happy. I’m very happy with the support that I had. And I’m happy with the results.”

Stark’s victory comes on the heels of an unusually contentious primary campaign that saw Mr. Williams temporarily removed from the ballot following a legal challenge from Ms. Stark and the Republican establishment, only to be later reinstated when the initial decision was overturned on appeal.

This is a developing story and will be updated.