Rich Schaffer, the Suffolk County Democratic leader, was reelected on Tuesday night, securing over 57% of the weighted votes from county district leaders. This reelection comes shortly after allegations surfaced that he attempted to pay committee members for their votes and threatened to have some members removed from their positions. The New York Attorney General's Office is currently investigating these claims.
Messages reportedly viewed by The Post included a text from Schaffer suggesting a member's father skip work to vote for him. Schaffer faced a challenge from progressive candidate Kathryn Casey Quigley, with some of his allies distancing themselves from him as the allegations emerged.
Leigh-Ann Bard, the Islip Town Democratic Chairwoman, publicly called for Schaffer's resignation, criticizing his reelection tactics and alleged dealings with the local Republican Party. She expressed her disappointment, stating, "It pains me greatly as someone who has supported, defended, and looked up to Chairman Richard Schaffer... I have no choice but to call on Richard Schaffer to resign."
Additionally, audio recordings surfaced of a Schaffer ally pressuring committee members to support Schaffer. Schaffer has denied the bribery allegations.