East End on Long Island turns red.

Freshman Republican Rep. Nick LaLota leads Democratic challenger John Avlon by eight percentage points (50%-42%) among likely voters in the race for New York’s 1st Congressional District, according to an internal poll released by the Republican campaign.

Boosting LaLota in the competitive race is the presence of former President Donald Trump at the top of the Republican ticket.

Trump, 78, leads Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, 59, by six (50%-44%) in the district that stretches from Huntington to the Hamptons.

Democrats are hoping for unrest from Avlon, 51, a former CNN commentator, founder of the centrist group No Labels, and onetime speechwriter for former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

But LaLota, 46, a Navy veteran who succeeded former Rep. Lee Zeldin in Congress and reported $1.45 million in his campaign coffers, appears to have the upper hand.

“The positive feedback I am receiving from voters, confirmed by our latest poll, shows that families in Suffolk County want a conservative and lifelong Long Islander with common sense to address issues at the border, strengthen the economy and lead the way take on world issues,” LaLota said. .

“With an eight-point lead and over $1.45 million heading into the final four weeks, I am confident we will win in November,” he added.

LaLota also had a shot at Avlon because he had a $3.2 million Gramercy Park co-op in Manhattan and a home in Sag Harbor.

“My fellow Long Islanders should not be surprised if my opponent, after seeing how far out of reach this race is – and experiencing his first cold October on Long Island – returns to his cozy Manhattan townhouse before Election Day,” he said. the congressman, who lives in Amityville, a few miles outside his district limits.

“Despite the fact that LaLota has raised too much money and spent too much money, he has the wind in his sails,” said pollster Tony Fabrizio. “These numbers clearly indicate that the Congressman has the momentum and support to continue serving the people of Suffolk County.”

Avlon’s campaign dismissed the poll, claiming the Republican would be in for a shock on November 5.

“Nick LaLota’s campaign is preparing for heartbreak this November by launching a poll as it becomes clear that John Avlon has a money and enthusiasm advantage in the final month of the race,” the Democrat’s campaign manager said. Bryan Sokolowski.

“There’s a reason why John is supported by Republicans and independents, while Nick continues to avoid face-to-face events – he’s worried about what happens if he’s called out for breaking his promises on SALT. full state and local tax deductions), reproductive freedom, and his hackish hyper-partisanship that puts right-wing special interests over Suffolk County families.”

The Avlon campaign said the candidate had raised $2.5 million between his two campaign committees, and will have a cash advantage during the latter part of the campaign.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has added Avlon to its “Red to Blue” program, signaling the party is making flipping the seat on Long Island a top priority.

The survey of 400 likely voters in NY-1 was conducted by Fabrizio, Lee and Associates for the LaLota campaign from September 26 to 29 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points.