Election 2011: Gonsalves Wins 13th LD Seat, Ready for Eighth Term

Norma Gonsalves, R-East Meadow, has been reelected as legislator of Nassau County's 13th District, according to unofficial results from the Nassau County Board of Elections.

With 100 percent of districts reporting, Gonsalves received 5,883 votes, while Patricia Maher, D-East Meadow, obtained 4,709 votes and Joseph Spinola, WF-East Meadow, garnered 741 votes.

"I had faith in the voters, and they had faith in me," Gonsalves said. "They thought I deserved another term to carry on the work that I have done over the past 14 years."

Gonsalves is now entering her eighth term as legislator. She currently serves as chairperson of the Planning, Development and Environment Committee and vice chairperson of the Minority Affairs Committee. Gonsalves is the project director for crime watch and the East Meadow Civilian Patrol.

This is the second time Maher, the founder of “Stop the Redistricting,” has challenged Gonsalves. For Spinola, this was his first run for office since he stepped down from the judge's bench in 2010.

"The key for me was that the primary didn't go well," Spinola said. "I think that put me in a very difficult situation."

Gonsalves says she's looking forward to her eighth term as Legislator of Nassau County's 13th Legislative District.

"I say thank you to [the voters] for their continued support and confidence in me," Gonsalves added. "I will continue to do what's best for the people I serve."

After repeated attempts, Patricia Maher could not be reached for comment.

The 13th Legislative District includes East Meadow and Salisbury, as well as portions of North Bellmore, North Merrick and Levittown.