Election Law, Local Power, and What Most Candidates Get Wrong

In this episode, Dave sits down with Tom Garry—election law expert, longtime strategist, and First Vice Chair of the Nassau County Democratic Committee—for a fast-paced, deeply insightful look at what really goes on behind the scenes of a campaign.

The conversation starts with a personal twist: Dave’s name on the ballot wasn’t legally his name. Enter Tom, the calm-in-a-crisis counsel who assured him everything would be okay—and then stuck around to share decades of political wisdom.

Together, they explore Tom’s path from Bay Ridge to the heart of New York politics, the impact of national discourse on local races, and the one thing every smart candidate must get right (spoiler: it’s credibility, not charisma). Tom also shares what separates great public servants from political opportunists—and how to earn trust that actually lasts.

The episode wraps with practical advice for anyone thinking about stepping into public life and a candid conversation about the state of our political discourse.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• The legal ballot-name drama that almost derailed Dave’s campaign

• Tom Garry’s early political roots (and a chance meeting with Michael Dukakis)

• Why local elections feel more national than ever

• How to build credibility that opens doors and wins respect

• The most common—and costly—mistake first-time candidates make
  

Connect with Tom Garry and the NY Democratic Committee:

• Nassau County Democratic Committee
• NY State Democratic Committee