Incumbency is the lifeblood of politics … because of, well, money.

The 2026 federal election cycle is off and running with control of the House of Representatives the biggest prize. Incumbents and potential rivals are raising money, proving that the campaign never stops, especially for a two-year House seat.

Two of Long Island’s four congressional districts, both held by Democrats, have at-risk seats because of the narrow victory margins two years ago when a White House race topped the ticket, according to the Cook Political Report.

CD4’s Rep. Laura Gillen, a Democrat, raised $1.34 million since January, according to Federal Election Commission reports for Q2, which ended June 30. The reports, released this week, showed that fellow Democrat Thomas Suozzi in CD3 raised $1.39 million in the same period.

LI’s two incumbent Republicans are considered in safe seats, at least at this stage. Reps. Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino raised $1.27 million and $843,000, respectively, during the same period.

Interestingly, Garbarino, considered the most secure incumbent among the four because of Republican registration is the only incumbent to have an active challenger.

Former Suffolk County Executive Patrick Halpin, 72, is making a run. His FEC fundraising data will first be reported in Q3.

Regardless of party, the Island’s four incumbents, running in one of the most expensive places in the nation, had some of the biggest hauls in the nation.

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