Rich Schaffer re-elected as Suffolk County Democratic Chair amid misconduct allegations

Rich Schaffer has been re-elected as the chair of the Suffolk County Democratic Committee, securing over 57% of the weighted votes from county district leaders. His victory comes amid serious allegations of misconduct.

The New York State Attorney General’s Office is reportedly investigating claims that Schaffer attempted to influence the election by offering cash to committee members or threatening to have members fired from their jobs. Allegations include text messages suggesting Schaffer inquired about paying a member's father to miss a work shift to cast a vote.

Schaffer, who has held the position for 26 years, defeated progressive challenger Kathryn Casey Quigley. The campaign was marked by internal conflict, including a public call for Schaffer's resignation from Islip Town Democratic Chairwoman Leigh-Ann Bard, who accused him of engaging in backdoor deals with the Republican Party.