[8] In 1995, he defeated Democratic nominee Thomas Oberle to win election as Brookhaven Town Supervisor.

[9][5][3] On March 20, 2000, Grucci announced that he would run for the Republican nomination in New York's 1st congressional district.

[13] During the election Grucci was endorsed by Arizona Senator John McCain, Suffolk County Republican Chairman Tony Apollaro, Suffolk County Clerk Ed Romaine, Assembly-member Pat Accampora, Brookhaven Town Councilor John LaValle, Southold Town Councilor Bill Moore, and Southampton Village trustee Bill Manger.

[14][15] During the 2002 congressional elections Grucci released a radio advertisement which stated that Tim Bishop had "turned his back" on rape victims at Southampton College.

[16][17] Amy Walter stated that the advertisement was "a big turning point in this contest" as it was initially predicted that Grucci would easily win reelection.