I'm Nick Antonucci, an educator, civic leader, and lifelong resident of Suffolk County. I've spent over two decades teaching social studies in public schools and history at Suffolk County Community College, helping students make sense of their world by understanding where we've been and where we could go together. I've served on local civic boards, spoken at public forums alongside town and state officials, and been deeply involved in the everyday life of our community.

In 2022, I stepped forward to run for Congress in New York's 1st District because I believed our community deserved a representative who actually lives here—someone who knows what it's like to commute on the LIE, to worry about rising costs, to raise a family, and to want a future for your kids that doesn't force them to move away. Due to redistricting, I stepped back—but I never stopped listening. And what I've heard again and again is that people are tired of politics that serve party insiders more than everyday people.

That's why I'm exploring a run for Congress in 2026, not as a Democrat or a Republican, but as an independent voice who will put people over parties and our local communities over special interests. I'm not backed by a political machine. I'm not a millionaire. I'm a neighbor. And I believe this District deserves representation that's rooted in the community, not in Washington or NYC.

1 - Leadership begins with listening. I live here, I work here, and I'll fight for us. I'm the only person exploring this race who actually lives and works full-time in NY-1 and understands the everyday concerns of Suffolk County residents. I've raised my family here, taught here, and served here, and I believe leadership begins with listening.

2 - People should come before parties. I'm an independent because people should come before parties. Our politics are broken because too many elected officials answer to party bosses and special interests instead of the people they serve. I'm not a Democrat or a Republican. I'm a working-class neighbor who will represent all of us, not just those who donate the most.

3 - HOLD REGULAR TOWN HALLS. This campaign is about restoring trust and rebuilding local power. From clean water and coastal protection to affordable housing and support for veterans, I'll focus on the issues that matter most to our communities. I'll HOLD REGULAR TOWN HALLS, stay transparent, and bring government closer to the people it's meant to serve.

The most important qualities in an elected official are honesty, accountability, and humility. Voters deserve someone who listens more than they speak, tells the truth even when it's hard, and puts the community's needs above party or personal ambition. An effective representative should be visible, accessible, and rooted in the everyday experiences of the people they serve. They should also be willing to work across divides to get real results, not just score political points.

Leadership isn't about ideology; it's about service, integrity, and showing up for your neighbors.

The core responsibilities of a Member of Congress are to represent their District with honesty, accessibility, and a focus on local needs. In NY-1, that means protecting our bays and drinking water from pollution, investing in affordable housing so young families and seniors can stay here, and supporting small businesses, veterans, and farmers across Suffolk County. It also means fighting for fair infrastructure funding from Huntington to the East End. Most importantly, a representative must be visible, accountable, and rooted in the daily lives of the people they serve, not in party politics or distant agendas.

Absolutely! I would recommend To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. While it's a novel about race and justice in the Deep South, at its heart, it's a story about moral courage, empathy, and standing up for what's right, even when it's hard or unpopular. Atticus Finch's quiet strength, his respect for the truth, and his belief in treating every person with dignity reflect the values I believe should guide public service. Like Atticus, I think leadership is about doing the right thing, especially when no one is watching, and about seeing the world through the eyes of others. That's the foundation of my political philosophy: listening, learning, and leading with integrity.

I believe financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable in a healthy democracy. Public officials should be fully transparent about the sources of their campaign funding, how it's spent, and who they're working for. Too many decisions in Washington are influenced by donors and lobbyists rather than the people. I support banning corporate PAC money, strengthening disclosure rules, and making it easier for constituents to track how their representative votes and where they stand on key issues. Elected officials should regularly report back to the people they serve, and they should be held accountable when they fail to do so.

Government accountability and financial transparency are essential to restoring public trust. Too many decisions in Washington are driven by big donors, special interests, and party insiders rather than the needs of everyday people. That's why I support stronger disclosure laws, banning corporate PAC money, and making it easier for constituents to track how their representatives vote, raise money, and spend campaign funds. 

I support term limits for members of Congress. Public service should be a responsibility, not a lifelong career. Term limits help reduce the influence of entrenched political power, create space for new leadership, and remind elected officials that they are in office to serve, not to stay in power. We need more leaders who are rooted in their communities, not the Washington bubble, and who bring fresh ideas and real-world experience to the table. Together, term limits and transparency can help break the cycle of gridlock, partisanship, and cynicism, and bring government back in line with the people it's meant to represent.

Over the next decade, I believe the United States faces three major, interconnected challenges: the erosion of trust in democratic institutions, the growing cost-of-living crisis facing working and middle-class families, and the threat of climate change to both our environment and economy. Too many Americans feel like government doesn't work for them—that it's rigged for the powerful, out of touch, and unaccountable. Rebuilding civic trust requires stronger institutions, more transparency, and leadership that listens and delivers real results. We must also confront the economic pressures, such as housing insecurity, unaffordable healthcare, student debt, and stagnating wages, that are hollowing out communities here on Long Island. Finally, climate change is already impacting coastal communities like ours. We need bold but practical solutions that protect our land, water, and future while creating good jobs and resilient infrastructure.

I would be most interested in serving on committees that directly impact working families, public infrastructure, and the quality of life here in New York's 1st District. Specifically, I am interested in the Education and the Workforce Committee, where I could leverage my experience as an educator to advocate for students, teachers, and lifelong learners. I'd also be interested in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which plays a key role in funding for roads, public transit, and coastal resilience, as well as issues critical to Suffolk County. Additionally, I am interested in the Committee on Veterans Affairs, given our District's substantial veteran population. These committees align with the everyday concerns I hear from my neighbors - housing, jobs, healthcare, and education - and where I believe I could make a real impact.

Yes, I believe that compromise is both necessary and desirable for effective policymaking, especially in a democracy as diverse and complex as ours. No one gets everything they want in a functioning government, and progress often requires finding common ground, listening across differences, and putting people before party. That said, compromise should never mean sacrificing core values or abandoning the people you serve. It means being willing to work with anyone, regardless of party, if it leads to better outcomes for your community. In Congress, I would focus on practical solutions over partisan posturing and always prioritize the needs of the people over political games. The job isn't to win arguments. It's to get things done.

As a history teacher, I am keenly aware that the Founding Fathers designed the U.S. House of Representatives to be the people's chamber—the branch of government closest to everyday citizens. Its members were meant to be directly accountable to voters through frequent elections and to reflect the diversity, urgency, and local concerns of the nation's many communities. What made the House unique was its immediacy and responsiveness. It wasn't supposed to be a platform for lifelong politicians or party loyalists. It was intended to elevate citizen-legislators: individuals who would serve for a limited time, represent their neighbors, and then return home. The House was built to change quickly, reflect the country's mood, and act boldly in the public interest. Today, much of that vision has been lost. Gerrymandering, unlimited campaign money, and extreme partisanship have hardened the House into a place of gridlock, loyalty tests, and careerism. In our District and others throughout the nation, representatives often serve special interests or national party agendas before the needs of their districts. The result is a loss of trust and a widening gap between the people and their government. Restoring the original promise of the House means electing members WHO LIVE IN THE DISTRICT, listen first, and legislate with humility. That's the kind of leadership we need to bring it back to what the Founders intended.

Yes, prior experience in government is helpful. Still, it shouldn't be a requirement, and it certainly shouldn't be a substitute for integrity, common sense, and a deep connection to the community. Too often, career politicians become more fluent in party politics than in the real-life concerns of the people they represent. What matters most is lived experience, accountability, and a willingness to listen and lead with purpose. We need representatives who understand what it's like to raise a family, work a regular job, run a small business, or serve their community without seeking recognition or credit. That perspective is often missing in Washington, and it's part of what I aim to bring. Ultimately, democracy works best when Congress reflects the full range of experiences in this country, not just those of the political class.

The Founders designed the two-year term for Members of the House to keep representatives close to the people and responsive to public needs. In theory, it encourages accountability. However, in practice, it often forces members into a perpetual campaign cycle, one that is more focused on raising money and appeasing party leadership than on governing. While I respect the intention behind the two-year term, we need broader reforms to make it work as intended. That includes campaign finance reform, independent redistricting, and additional protections against partisan gridlock, allowing representatives to focus on their jobs, not just maintaining them. Ultimately, the length of the term isn't the core problem. It's how the system has evolved around it. If we restore accountability, transparency, and fairness, then two years can still be a meaningful way to keep power close to the people.

Yes, our former Congressman Tim Bishop would be the representative I would model myself after. He is a powerful example for any newly elected Member of Congress to follow.
Here are my reasons why:

Deep Constituent Engagement - Bishop held over one hundred town halls across eastern Long Island, forging direct lines of communication with voters and helping thousands cut through federal red tape to access Social Security, Medicare, and veterans' benefits.

Environmental Stewardship - A longtime advocate for clean water and air, he led opposition to the Broadwater gas terminal in Long Island Sound, served as ranking member of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, and earned "Friend of the National Parks" honors for his legislative record.

Championing College Affordability - He helped craft the bipartisan College Cost Reduction Act, the single largest increase in student financial aid since World War II, making higher education more accessible for middle-class families.

Veterans' Advocacy - Bishop prioritized Suffolk County's veterans, recovering over $2 million in back pay and working to expand healthcare staffing and benefits for returning service members.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Leadership - As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Bishop co-authored the bipartisan Water Resources Reform and Development Act, which secured millions for Long Island's beaches, harbors, and waterways, protecting communities from future storms while creating thousands of jobs.

Delivering Tangible Federal Investments - Over his tenure, Bishop steered more than $1 billion in direct federal dollars back to our District, funding high-tech research at Brookhaven National Laboratory, modernizing local roads and bridges, and jump-starting economic growth and construction jobs.

Commitment to Civic Engagement Post‑Congress - Even after leaving office, he continued to teach and mentor future public servants.

The House's constitutional role in revenue bills gives House Members both influence and responsibility. As an independent-minded legislator, I would use this power to promote balanced budgets, pragmatic compromise, and tax fairness, serving as a fiscal steward and bridge-builder in a polarized chamber. For example, I would Advocate for a fiscally responsible compromise. As a revenue bill must originate in the House, as a member, I would insist on a responsible tax policy that neither recklessly expands the deficit nor disproportionately burdens working families.
Additionally, I would:

• Push for bipartisan tax reforms that simplify the code and close loopholes.
• Ensure that new spending is paid for or that revenue changes are offset to avoid long-term fiscal harm.
• Act as a Gatekeeper for Equitable Taxation - Because the House originates tax bills.
• Block extreme proposals—whether overly regressive or overly punitive. - Promote fairness and economic opportunity, Advocate for policies like middle-class tax relief or incentives for small businesses while resisting giveaways to narrow special interests.
• Elevate Local Priorities - As a House member, I would have the leverage to negotiate for funding or tax relief tied to my District's needs (e.g., disaster relief, infrastructure investment, education tax credits). I would also support targeted policies that strike a balance between national goals and regional economic realities.
• Build Cross-Party Coalitions - Revenue bills often reveal deep partisan divides. As a moderate, I can play a strategic role in bridging left-right divides on taxation and spending, serving as a key negotiator or swing vote, making my influence disproportionate to my seniority.
• Ensure Transparency and Accountability - A moderate can utilize the power of origination to demand open committee processes and public input on revenue decisions while providing greater oversight of how tax dollars are raised and spent, thereby reinforcing democratic accountability.

For Partisan Retaliation or Political Theater

• Investigations should be rooted in legitimate oversight rather than being used as tools for scoring political points or attacking political opponents.
• Weaponizing subpoenas or committee hearings to create campaign talking points undermines credibility.
• Oversight should be about truth-seeking, not spectacle.

To Undermine Independent Investigations or Judicial Proceedings

• The House should not use its powers to interfere with ongoing criminal investigations, trials, or agency enforcement actions.
• Doing so threatens the separation of powers and risks obstructing the administration of justice.
• Congressional oversight is not a substitute for due process in the courts.

Based on Conspiracy Theories or Unfounded Allegations

• Launching investigations without credible evidence or based on disinformation is a waste of time and resources.
• It distracts from real issues and damages the legitimacy of congressional authority.
• Credible oversight requires verifiable facts and a clear public interest.

To Intimidate Private Citizens or Whistleblowers

• Oversight must be careful not to punish dissent or chill free expression.
• Calling private citizens, career civil servants, or whistleblowers into hostile public hearings without cause is abusive.
• Congress has a duty to protect, not silence, accountability.

To Micromanage or Politicize Agency Decision-Making
While agencies must be held accountable, the House should avoid:

• Interfering with daily operations of executive departments.
• Using hearings to pressure specific policy outcomes, especially when motivated by partisan gain rather than public interest.

Without Transparency, Rules, or Bipartisan Input

• Investigations should be conducted with clear procedures, due process, and fairness rather than in secrecy or under one-party control.
• Partisan, closed-door inquiries can lead to distorted narratives and erode the legitimacy of findings.
• Balanced investigations promote trust in democratic institutions.

The House must use its investigative powers with restraint, integrity, and respect for democratic norms. Oversight should serve the public interest, not personal vendettas, political gain, or partisan warfare. When misused, these powers become tools of division rather than instruments of accountability.

My first job, on the books, was at a grocery store in Patchogue, on the corner of Waverly Avenue and Sunrise Highway, called Walbaums. I started there when I was 14 1/2 and worked there until I was 17, when I found a "better" job at a hardware store down the block called Pergaments (Where I learned to drive a forklift).

Watergate, age 8 or 9. I was angry at the time, not because of what was happening with the Nixon administration, but because, at one point, ABC, CBS, and NBC switched to a daily rotation of continuous coverage, canceling some of my favorite afternoon cartoons and TV shows. But PBS did something worse! PBS tortured children who wanted to watch their favorite shows - Sesame Street, The Electric Company, and Mr. Rogers by covering every minute of the proceedings of the Watergate hearings for 47 days and nights in 1973. While this created the foundation for PBS' nightly news program, "The MacNeil-Lehrer Report," which exists today as the "PBS NewsHour." it also profoundly impacted me. It was part of my political socialization. I began asking my teachers what was happening and reading newspapers regularly. Although I didn't fully grasp what was going on at the time, I knew that whatever it was, it had to be important to cancel all our favorite TV shows.

If I had to choose one person I admire most, it would be my grandfather, Andrea Silecchia. Born in Bari, Italy, he came to New York as a young child, carrying little more than a name and a spirit that would one day create a legacy built on the idea of the American Dream. Although he never attended school or received any formal education, he was, without a doubt, the most intelligent man I have ever known.

He spoke perfect English without even a hint of an accent, but he never forgot where he came from. He often said, "Never make fun of someone with an accent. It means they know more than one language." That one sentence taught me more about respect, empathy, and humility than any classroom lesson ever could.

My Granpa Andy could add long columns of numbers in his head faster than most people with a calculator. But his mind was just one part of what made him great. He taught by example, showing what it means to be respectful to everyone, to work hard, and to help others without expecting anything in return. One of his favorite sayings was, "Success only comes before work in the dictionary." And he lived that truth every single day.

With his brother, he built a thriving fuel oil business in the Marine Park section of Brooklyn through grit, sweat, and an unshakable sense of duty. Yet, despite the demands of his business, he always found time and resources—money, housing, and food—to help others from his hometown who were starting new lives in America.

What I'll never forget, though, is his humor. He loved teasing Grandma and joking with his brothers, filling every room with laughter. That joy, along with his generosity and strength, earned him the deep affection of many people.

The day we laid him to rest, a line of cars followed his hearse through the streets like a parade for a king. At that moment, I realized that to me, he was royalty, not because of his riches or titles, but because of the life he lived, the people he lifted up, and the legacy he left behind.

My grandfather taught me many things, but most of all, he taught me what it means to live with dignity, to work with purpose, and to love with heart. I admire him more than words can ever fully capture. I still miss him.

I believe my work ethic, humility, and commitment to public service are the qualities that would make me a successful officeholder. A lesson learned in high school and again in college was to keep my hubris in check. I certainly was not the smartest person on campus, but there were very few people willing to work as hard as me. It was my work ethic that became the great equalizer throughout my academic and professional careers. I approach every challenge with focus, persistence, and the conviction that preparation and follow-through are essential. I also value listening more than speaking, treating people with respect regardless of their background, and finding common ground to solve problems. These are not just traits I admire in leaders. They are values I live by.

I want to leave a legacy of service, integrity, and impact. I hope to be remembered as someone who listened more than I spoke, who treated every person with respect, and who worked relentlessly to improve the lives of others. Whether it was helping families access better opportunities, advocating for fairness and transparency in government, or mentoring the next generation of leaders, I want my legacy to reflect a life spent lifting others. Ultimately, I hope people say I left my community and the people in it better than I found them.

One of the biggest struggles in my life has been interacting with people who have closed minds. You know, those who are unwilling to consider new perspectives or engage in honest dialogue. I've found it challenging, especially when trying to solve problems that require cooperation and an open mind. But over time, I've learned that patience, empathy, and asking the right questions can sometimes open doors that force won't. This struggle has strengthened my belief in the importance of civil discourse, active listening, and leading by example, even when it's difficult.

With the recent passing of Sly Stone, his song "Everyday People" has been stuck in my head, not just because of the infectious groove but because of the message behind the music. The lyrics are simple yet deeply aspirational, reminding us that unity, tolerance, and respect for one another are not just ideals but necessities. It's a song that still resonates today and serves as a poignant reminder of the kind of world we should all strive to achieve. It is the kind of world I want my children and their children to live in.

Everyday People
Sometimes, I'm right; I can be wrong.
My own beliefs are in my song.
A butcher, a banker, a drummer, and then it makes no difference what group I'm in.
I am everyday people! (yeah, yeah)
There is a blue one who can't accept the green one for living with the black one trying to be a skinny one.
Different strokes for different folks!
And so on, and so on, and scooby-dooby-doo. (oooh, sha sha!)
We've got to live together!
I am no better, and neither are you.
We are the same whatever we do.
You love me, you hate me, you know me, and then, you can't figure out the bag I'm in.
I am everyday people! (yeah, yeah)
There is a long hair who doesn't like the short hair for being such a rich one that will not help the poor one.
Different strokes for different folks!
And so on, and so on, and scooby-dooby-doo. (oooh, sha sha!)
We got to live together!
There is a yellow one who won't accept the black one who won't accept the red one who won't accept the white one.
Different strokes for different folks!
And so on, and so on, and scooby-dooby-doo. (oooh, sha sha!)
I am everyday people!

To Kill a Mockingbird is my favorite book because it captures the timeless struggle between justice and prejudice through the eyes of a child, reminding us of the power of empathy and moral courage. Atticus Finch's quiet strength, his commitment to doing what's right even when it's unpopular, and his belief in the dignity of every human being have always stayed with me. The book challenges readers to stand up for what's just, even in the face of deep resistance, and that message feels as urgent today as it ever did.

I've always liked the joke, "Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field." I like this joke because it's simple and conveys a powerful message: that sometimes, simply showing up consistently, doing the hard work, and standing firm in your principles can have the greatest impact. On it's face it seems to be a light joke, but the message behind it is profound: success doesn't always come from flash but from quiet dedication. And, that's what I'm about.

I would choose to be Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. He represents the kind of moral clarity, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to justice that I deeply admire. Atticus stands up for what's right, even when it's difficult or unpopular, and he treats everyone with dignity and respect. He listens before speaking, leads with integrity, and teaches through his actions. In a world that often rewards noise over principle, Atticus Finch reminds us that true leadership comes from courage, empathy, and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.