Suffolk County Democrats are experiencing significant internal conflict as some members seek to remove party chairman Rich Schaffer, accusing him of making backroom deals with the Republican Party. Allegations suggest that Schaffer has undermined Democratic candidates to protect Republican interests. Kathryn Casey Quigley, chair of the Southold Democrats, is challenging Schaffer for his position, with a committee vote scheduled for September. Quigley stated, "People accuse me of working to divide the party — but Schaffer is working directly with Republicans and actively against his own party."
Democrat Jonathan Estreich reported that Schaffer persuaded him to withdraw from a state Senate race to run for Suffolk County comptroller, only to later encourage him to step back from that position as well. Schaffer allegedly suggested that Estreich accept a Conservative Party candidacy for judge, which would have removed him from the comptroller ballot.
Another Democrat, Anthony Portesy, who was initially running for Suffolk County Clerk and had Schaffer's endorsement, also abandoned his campaign, citing similar pressure from the chairman and labeling it a "betrayal." Critics of Schaffer have highlighted a cross-endorsement deal made last year, where the party chose not to field candidates against District Attorney Ray Tierney and Sheriff Errol Toulon, allowing both to be reelected unopposed. Toulon was also listed on the Democratic ballot.
Concerns about Schaffer's leadership extend back to 2018, when he reportedly encouraged a young college student to run against incumbent Republican state Senator Phil Boyle, which some party members believe was an effort to weaken the Democratic ticket.
As these disputes unfold, the establishment wing of Suffolk Democrats is preparing for potential challenges from the left. The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) did not field any candidates in Long Island elections this cycle, a decision political analyst John Tomlin described as strategic to maintain party momentum after DSA-backed candidates won several primaries in New York City and other areas this summer. Tomlin anticipates that DSA candidates will begin targeting local races over the next two years in preparation for the 2028 elections.
Jon Schneider, a spokesperson for the Suffolk Democratic Committee, minimized the internal conflicts, emphasizing that the party's focus is on the upcoming statewide and congressional races rather than local disputes. Schneider rejected the notion that the party is aligning with Republicans or Conservatives, stating, "[We are] focusing our efforts on ousting MAGA Republicans who are in lockstep with President Trump."