Gallant targets Coram's sewer system and empty storefronts in congressional bid

Chris Gallant told a crowd at the Coram Civic Association that he intends to direct federal money toward the town's aging sewer lines. Speaking on Monday, Oct. 26, the Democratic candidate for Congress in New York's First District argued that fixing leaks in sewer waste and septic tanks is the top priority for the federal government.

Gallant claimed that rising cancer rates in the area are linked to these leaks. He positioned this infrastructure repair as a central part of his platform to clean local water sources. The candidate noted that these sewer issues have persisted for decades without a federal solution.

The forum took place as Gallant looks to unseat incumbent Rep. Nick LaLota, a Republican who did not attend the event. Gallant, who launched his campaign in August 2025, described his background as a union leader, military veteran, and volunteer firefighter. He used this experience to frame himself as a candidate outside the traditional political establishment.

"Everything is an us versus them. And me not being a politician gives me the opportunity to be a unique candidate," Gallant said. "Someone new who can step up and start fighting for what I think our community needs."

The discussion also covered the state of Coram's commercial district. Panelists and audience members noted a trend of rising vacancies and a drop in new business openings. Nearby communities have seen new commercial development, creating a contrast with the local situation. Gallant proposed rebuilding structures that have fallen into disrepair and reusing abandoned spaces. He called revitalizing the area a core principle for moving forward.

Homelessness and public health were key topics in the later portion of the meeting. Gallant linked the deteriorating conditions of commercial districts to increased vagrancy, substance abuse, and criminal activity. He stated he would use federal authority to secure aid for better housing. He also emphasized support for nurses and doctors who manage mental health crises, citing his own work as a safety officer.

Environmental protection drew questions regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's recent reduction of regulations. Gallant said the United States is losing the race to achieve zero carbon emissions. He stressed the need for infrastructure planning to handle rising sea levels and storms on Long Island.

"Superstorm Sandy was about 13, 14 years ago and we still have areas of our district that have been damaged from that and that haven't just fully gotten repaired yet," Gallant said. He argued that the district has not fully recovered from the 2012 storm.

Attendees also raised concerns about artificial intelligence data centers. Gallant said he supports them only if they are safe and do not strain electric grids. He stated he is against the projects until issues regarding noise, power usage, and other impacts are fixed. He described his goal as reducing the divide between Republicans and Democrats to build bridges for local cooperation.

The evening concluded with Gallant reiterating his focus on practical solutions for the district. He maintained that his lack of political experience allows him to approach problems like fire safety or emergency response. He ended his remarks by emphasizing the need for a unified community approach to these long-standing challenges.