Much of the economy of the 1st Congressional District on Long Island depends on immigrant laborers, making immigration a key issue in the race for the congressional seat between 1st District Republican Congressman Nick LaLota and Democratic candidate John Avlon.

Hear them share their views on the issue in their own words, recorded in two separate panel interviews September 2024 at WLIW-FM studios in Southampton NY.

These recordings have been lightly edited without changing the content of the candidates' statements during the panel interviews. Editing of the candidates has occurred only where a music bed is heard, as well as minor editing of the moderators.

1st District Matters is part of Your Election 2024, a special collection of programs, series, and resources from The WNET Group to illuminate election issues on-air, online, and on YouTube leading into the November 5th elections.

A production of Express News Group and WLIW-FM.

For WLIW-FM:

Moderator: Michael Mackey

Executive Producer: Diane Masciale

Producer: Delaney Hafener

Production: Kyle Lynch

Senior Engineer: Brian Bannon

Legal Services: Marta Castaing

For The Express News Group:

Executive Producer and Moderator: Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor

Managing Editor: Bill Sutton

Deputy Managing Editor: Brendan O'Reilly

Moderator and Staff Writer: Christopher Walsh

Production Managers: Kerri Cunningham, Sara Mannino Kent

Publishers: Gavin Menu, Kathryn G. Menu

Copyright 2024