Riverhead Supervisor Jerry Halpin Seeks Re-Election on November 3

Riverhead Town Supervisor Jerry Halpin will face voters again on Tuesday, November 3, as the incumbent seeks to retain his seat. Halpin, 54, is running for the third time in the role, having first assumed office on January 1. He is listed as an independent candidate appearing on the Democratic and Taxpayers First lines.

Halpin attributes his decision to run to frustration with local fiscal management. He stated that many residents were tired of excuses and routine breaches of the tax cap. In response, he presented a budget ten months ago that maintained public services, provided staff raises, and added new positions without exceeding the tax cap limit.

The supervisor, who lives in Riverhead and holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Religious Studies, said the rising cost of living on Long Island is the most pressing issue for constituents. He also identified water quality and infrastructure improvements as key areas of focus.

Regarding infrastructure, Halpin highlighted the addition of a new highway equipment barn in the west end of town. He noted that this facility allows highway crews to store and service equipment closer to their work sites, a solution to a decades-long logistical challenge. He described the highway department as the best in the town and expressed satisfaction in seeing the long-term project completed.

Halpin is married to Kristen, and the couple has been together for 31 years. They have two daughters, both of whom were raised in Riverhead. No other members of his family work in politics or government. Halpin said his family life is central to his identity, calling his wife the best.

In distinguishing himself from other candidates, Halpin said the key difference is putting taxpayers first every single time. He cited his 2027 budget as evidence of his ability to handle the job effectively. This budget avoided piercing the tax cap, partly due to an early retirement incentive program he initiated, which resulted in $819,000 in savings. He also noted improvements in employee morale and the implementation of regular one-on-one meetings with department heads.

Other issues in his campaign include the EPCAL development project, the preservation of Sound Avenue, and expanding downtown growth beyond Main Street into surrounding areas. He also plans to focus on employee retention by improving pay structures, advancement opportunities, and workplace culture.

Halpin emphasized the importance of community unity in addressing Riverhead’s challenges. He told voters that their voices matter to the town’s future. "We need to come together and stop allowing our differences to divide us," he said. He added that working together allows residents to generate ideas and solutions to the town's greatest problems.

When asked for the best advice he has ever received, Halpin said it was to "Be you." The general election for local representatives in Riverhead is scheduled for November 3, 2026.