 On May 24, 1982, Carney announced that he would seek reelection and easily defeated Democratic nominee Ethan Eldon, receiving over sixty percent of the popular vote, with the Republican, Conservative, and Right to Life parties' nominations.On March 19, 1984, he announced that he would seek reelection and defeated Suffolk County legislator Gregory Blass in the Republican primary, although Blass attempted to have a recount conducted.In the general election he narrowly defeated Democratic and Ratepayers Against Lilco nominee George J. Hochbrueckner, a member of the New York State Assembly.