Jennings said that his City Council office was open until 7 p.m. during the week and known for excellent service to constituents. He added that he would write weekly letters to someone with a problem until that problem was resolved. “That’s what’s lacking in this district,” he said, “and I will bring that type of excellent constituent services.”

Meeks said he looks forward to serving Nassau County residents. Though he has won past congressional elections, he said, he is not taking the other candidates lightly. “Anytime there’s a primary or any kind of race, that’s what democracy is all about,” he said. “You don’t ever take anything for granted.”

About the race

Effective Jan. 1, New York state’s congressional districts will be shifting, splitting Valley Stream into the new 4th and 5th districts. The 5th District will extend from southeastern Queens to areas of Inwood, Elmont and Valley Stream as far east as Cottage Street. A three-judge federal court panel decided on March 19 to reduce the number of districts in New York from 29 to 27 to reflect the 2010 census. Rep. Gregory Meeks currently represents the 6th District, which includes Far Rockaway, Jamaica and most of southeastern Queens. The incumbent in the 5th District, Gary Ackerman, is not seeking re-election.