Joseph R. Cardinale

BACKGROUND

• Cardinale, 70, of Amityville, is running on the Republican Party line in the general election to fill the seat formerly held by five-term incumbent Democrat Kimberly Jean-Pierre, who did not seek reelection. 
• He retired after 21 years as a lieutenant commander in the New York Police Department and is owner/operator of Blue Line Pilot Cars, which accompany wide-load vehicles for safety.
• Cardinale is a member of the New York 10-13 Association for retired police officers, the Fraternal Order of Police and the National Rifle Association.

ISSUES

• Cardinale said his main priority would be working to improve the economy, in part by seeking tax relief for small businesses.
• Cardinale said illegal immigration is a problem and that he favors vetting migrants as they cross the borders. Cardinale said he also would look at ways to streamline the citizenship application process.
• He said he would focus on increasing penalties for fentanyl crimes and giving judges more discretion on whom they can remand.