Andrew Garbarino

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Andrew Garbarino
Official portrait, 117th Congress
Andrew Garbarino
BornAndrew Reed Garbarino
9/27/1984
BirthplaceSayville, New York, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationAttorney, politician
Known forChair of the House Homeland Security Committee; U.S. Representative for New York's 2nd congressional district
EducationGeorge Washington University (BA)
Hofstra University (JD)
WebsiteOfficial congressional website

Andrew Reed Garbarino (/ˌɡɑːrbəˈriːn/; born September 27, 1984) is an American attorney and politician serving as U.S. representative for New York's 2nd congressional district since January 2021. He's a Republican who previously served in the New York State Assembly's 7th district from 2013 to 2020. Growing up in Sayville on Long Island's south shore, he came from a family deeply involved in Suffolk County Republican politics. After earning a law degree from Hofstra University, he practiced as an attorney before running for office. When longtime congressman Peter King retired in 2019, he endorsed Garbarino as his successor. In Congress, Garbarino's developed a reputation as a moderate Republican, breaking with his party on major bills like the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Respect for Marriage Act. July 2025 brought his selection as Chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security, following Mark Green's resignation.[1]

Early Life

Andrew Reed Garbarino was born September 27, 1984, in Sayville, a hamlet in the Town of Islip, Suffolk County, on Long Island's south shore.[2] His family had serious political connections. His father, William Garbarino, was a Sayville-based attorney who became a major player in Suffolk County Republican politics and was expected to become chairman of the Suffolk County Republican Party.[3] This background in both the law and Republican Party organizing on Long Island gave him early exposure to professional practice and the workings of government.

Growing up in Sayville, he attended local schools and developed roots in a community where politics mattered. Suffolk County, historically competitive in state and federal races, shaped him as a center-right Republican focused on local issues: infrastructure, public safety, Long Island's economic health.

Education

His undergraduate work happened at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.[2] He then came back to Long Island to attend Hofstra University School of Law, now called the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, where he completed his Juris Doctor in 2009.[4] That Hofstra education prepared him well for practicing law on Long Island, and the school later highlighted him as a notable alumnus after his election to the New York State Assembly.

Career

Legal Career

Once he finished his law degree in 2009, Garbarino worked as an attorney on Long Island for several years. Legal practice came first, before he moved into full-time public service. That background informed his later legislative priorities, especially in regulatory policy and public safety.

New York State Assembly (2013–2020)

Running in 2012 for the New York State Assembly's 7th district, which covers southern Suffolk County on Long Island, he won the seat formerly held by Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick.[5][6] During the race, the Newsday editorial board backed his candidacy.[7]

He took office January 1, 2013, and served four full terms through December 31, 2020.[8] Reelected in 2014, 2016, and 2018, he represented the district while serving in the minority as a Republican in a Democratic-controlled chamber.[9][10][11] His focus remained on constituent service and Long Island priorities. When he left at the end of 2020, Jarett Gandolfo succeeded him.

2020 Congressional Campaign

Peter King, who'd represented the 2nd district since 1993, announced in November 2019 that he wouldn't run again. He then backed Garbarino as his successor.[12] That endorsement from a well-respected Long Island and national Republican figure gave Garbarino serious momentum in the race.

In the 2020 Republican primary for the 2nd district covering much of the south shore including Babylon, Lindenhurst, and portions of Islip, Garbarino won the nomination.[13]

His November 2020 general election opponent was Democrat Jackie Gordon. He won the race and entered the 117th Congress.[14][15]

U.S. House of Representatives (2021–present)

He was sworn in January 3, 2021, as U.S. Representative for New York's 2nd congressional district, replacing Peter King.[2] In Congress, representing the south shore of Long Island in Suffolk County, he's concentrated on homeland security, infrastructure, veterans' affairs, and public health issues affecting the New York metropolitan area.

Legislative Record and Cross-Party Votes

His willingness to break ranks with Republicans has earned him considerable attention. In 2021, he voted for the Bipartisan Background Checks Act to expand federal background check requirements for gun purchases. That same year, he backed creating a commission to investigate the January 6 Capitol attack, defying most House Republicans. Infrastructure proved another cross-party moment. He voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a bipartisan package President Joe Biden signed into law.

Two years later, in 2022, he voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, which codified federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages. Relatively few House Republicans supported it.

During the contentious Speaker election in October 2023, Garbarino was among just 18 Republicans who voted against Jim Jordan's nomination all three times. That stance put him at odds with a major faction in his party.

These votes have led commentators to label him a moderate Republican, which fits the competitive political character of his Long Island district.

Homeland Security Committee

On the House Committee on Homeland Security during the 118th and 119th Congresses, Garbarino became a leading figure. Then came July 22, 2025. After Mark Green's resignation, Garbarino took over as chairman.[16] The committee handles border security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), cybersecurity, the TSA, FEMA, and Department of Homeland Security operations broadly.

As chairman, he's run major oversight hearings on immigration enforcement. In February 2026, he questioned top immigration officials, a role that The Washington Post noted required him to balance his party's expectations against his more moderate instincts on immigration.[17] The Conversation highlighted how the committee's expanded ICE oversight under Garbarino represents a shift in congressional scrutiny.[18]

Long Island Priorities and Constituent Service

Throughout his House tenure, Garbarino has secured appropriations and community funding for Long Island projects. In the fiscal year 2026 appropriations cycle, he brought home $23.604 million in community project funding, including infrastructure like the Amityville Beach Ejector Pump Construction Project for the Village of Amityville.[19]

He also worked on the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides medical care for September 11 victims and first responders. Working with the broader New York delegation, he ensured full, lifetime funding in the FY 2026 appropriations package.[20] After it became law, Garbarino highlighted the cross-party nature of the achievement among New York Republicans and the wider delegation.[21]

In December 2025, his office summarized the year's accomplishments, emphasizing results for Long Island communities.[22] The FY 2026 appropriations minibus showcased both Long Island and national priorities.[23]

Personal Life

Garbarino remains rooted in Sayville, where he was raised and has kept strong community connections. His family's long involvement in Suffolk County civic and political life, particularly his father William Garbarino's work as a Sayville attorney and Republican organizer, shaped his career.[24] Throughout his service in the state legislature and Congress, he's maintained his base on Long Island.

Recognition

His July 2025 selection as Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee ranked among the most significant leadership appointments for a New York Republican in the 119th Congress. The role placed him in control of major federal agencies and policy areas: border security, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, emergency management.[25]

National media outlets have noticed his bipartisan voting record. The Washington Post profiled him in February 2026 as a moderate Republican leading a major immigration oversight hearing, highlighting the tension between party expectations and independent judgment.[26]

His role in securing lifetime funding for the World Trade Center Health Program was recognized as a major legislative win, especially for the New York delegation and for first responders and survivors of September 11.[27]

Hofstra University School of Law recognized him as a notable graduate following his election to the New York State Assembly.[28]

References

  1. ↑ "Garbarino Selected To Lead Powerful Homeland Security Committee". 'Office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino}'. July 22, 2025. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Rep.-Elect Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02)". 'The Hill}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ "William Garbarino, Sayville Attorney, Likely to Be New Suffolk GOP Chairman".Newsday.http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/william-garbarino-sayville-attorney-likely-to-be-new-suffolk-gop-chairman-1.10864070.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ "Assemblyman Andrew R. Garbarino '09". 'Hofstra Law News}'. July 31, 2014. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ "Garbarino Wins Assembly Seat in 7th District". 'Patch}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "2012 General Election Results". 'Suffolk County Board of Elections}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "Elect Andrew Garbarino in 7th Assembly District".Newsday.http://www.newsday.com/opinion/elect-andrew-garbarino-in-7th-assembly-district-editoria-1.4141732.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "Assembly Member Andrew Garbarino — Biography". 'New York State Assembly}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "2014 General Election Results". 'Suffolk County Board of Elections}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "2016 General Election Results". 'Suffolk County Board of Elections}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "2018 General Election Results". 'Suffolk County Board of Elections}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "Peter King Endorsement: Garbarino for Congress".Newsday.https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/peter-king-endorsement-garbarino-congress-1.41649421.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "2020 Primary Election Results". 'Suffolk County Board of Elections}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "New York Elections: House Elections".Associated Press.https://apnews.com/article/new-york-elections-house-elections-9313e8fb79874eacbb2d59ec906715d7.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "Andrew Garbarino — Candidate Detail". 'Federal Election Commission}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "Garbarino Selected To Lead Powerful Homeland Security Committee". 'Office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino}'. July 22, 2025. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "Moderate Republican willing to break with party is set to lead ICE hearing".The Washington Post.February 8, 2026.https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/02/08/andrew-garbarino-house-ice-hearing/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Congress has exercised minimal oversight over ICE, but that might change". 'The Conversation}'. 2026-01. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "FY26 Community Project Funding". 'Office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "Garbarino and NY Congressional Delegation Lead Effort to Secure Lifetime Funding for World Trade Center Health Program". 'Office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino}'. 2026-01. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "Garbarino and NY Republicans Secure Full Funding for World Trade Center Health Program as Bill is Signed into Law". 'Office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "Garbarino Highlights 2025 Accomplishments: Delivering Results for Long Island". 'Office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino}'. December 22, 2025. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "Garbarino Delivers Key Long Island and National Priorities in FY 2026 Appropriations Package". 'Office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "William Garbarino, Sayville Attorney, Likely to Be New Suffolk GOP Chairman".Newsday.http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/william-garbarino-sayville-attorney-likely-to-be-new-suffolk-gop-chairman-1.10864070.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  25. ↑ "Garbarino Selected To Lead Powerful Homeland Security Committee". 'Office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino}'. July 22, 2025. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  26. ↑ "Moderate Republican willing to break with party is set to lead ICE hearing".The Washington Post.February 8, 2026.https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/02/08/andrew-garbarino-house-ice-hearing/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  27. ↑ "Garbarino and NY Republicans Secure Full Funding for World Trade Center Health Program as Bill is Signed into Law". 'Office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  28. ↑ "Assemblyman Andrew R. Garbarino '09". 'Hofstra Law News}'. July 31, 2014. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
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