“I came back from a deployment from ’22 to ’23,” Gallant said of his time in the Middle East. “I went away and was able to fill a grocery cart for $150 and came back and can hardly fill a grocery bag for $150, so it’s terrible.”

LaLota is seeking a third term in a district that Cook Political Report does not yet include on its list of competitive races. Lawler’s seat, in contrast, is ranked “lean Republican.”

The GOP incumbent is confident about his reelection prospects. The Navy veteran, who previously was chief of staff to the Suffolk County Legislature, like other blue-state Republicans, is touting a state and local tax deduction cap increase as a hard-fought victory this year.

“Congressman LaLota has won three straight elections by double digits,” LaLota campaign spokesperson Mary O’Hara said in a statement. “Now, with SALT quadrupled to deliver an average of $2,800 more to Long Island families and real border security, we’re on track for an even bigger win in 2026.”

Gallant is already attacking LaLota for voting for the GOP megabill that cuts federal funding for health care and other social services. And he raised alarms about Federal Aviation Administration staffing shortages blamed for some dangerous airport conditions, speaking as a former air traffic controller.

He steered clear of opining on President Donald Trump, Gov. Kathy Hochul or New York City Democratic nominee for mayor Zohran Mamdani — political lightning rods for different reasons in the state’s battlegrounds. It’s the safe route for a candidate who said he wants to hold ample town halls and seek Democratic, Republican and Independent votes from Long Islanders sick of partisan politics.

“NY-01 is my total focus,” Gallant said. “When it comes to the mayoral race in New York City, I think my goal is that whoever gets to win that race, just provide a safe environment for my constituents.”