Thursday, October 22, 2026
With Election Day approaching, it's important to know who's on the ballot, what they represent and where they stand on the issues that are important to the local community. To learn more about each candidate, read our voter guide below.
For election results right after the polls close on Nov. 3, go to LIHerald.com.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Governor
Affordability and tax relief Hochul identifies lowering costs as a central priority. Her campaign points to inflation refund checks sent to more than 8 million New Yorkers, an expanded child tax credit and middle-class tax cuts as measures aimed at easing household expenses. She also cites universal free school meals as a way to help families save money.
Housing and child care Hochul supports building and preserving more affordable housing. Her campaign highlights her support for running mate Adrienne Adams’ City for All housing plan during Adams’ tenure as New York City Council speaker. The two also worked together to secure child care funding. Hochul says she is working toward universal child care to make it more accessible and affordable for New York families.
Public safety and schools Hochul emphasizes investments in community safety and cites gun safety legislation enacted during her administration. Her campaign also highlights her work with Adams on city and state gun-free zone laws. In schools, Hochul points to the ban on student cellphone use during school hours as another initiative enacted during her tenure.
Federal policies Hochul has made opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies a central part of her campaign. She says she will defend New Yorkers against federal actions she considers harmful and, alongside Adams, oppose what her campaign describes as “MAGA extremism.”
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Nassau County Executive
Affordability and tax relief Blakeman proposes eliminating state income tax on the first $50,000 of income for single filers and the first $100,000 for joint filers.
He also proposes doubling the state’s multibillion-dollar property tax rebate program. Blakeman says restructuring the state budget, using state reserves, could finance the tax cuts and redirecting taxpayer funds currently allocated to services for undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers.
Housing and childcare Blakeman aims to invest in schools and reduce the overall tax burden on residents. He looks to give families more disposable income as they contend with housing, childcare and other rising costs.
Public safety and schools Blakeman has pledged to increase support for police, expand counterterrorism funding for the NYPD and build or reopen state prisons. He also strongly opposes sanctuary state and city policies and supports greater cooperation with federal immigration authorities to deport undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
He supports restricting biological males from competing in female school sports categories.
Federal policies Blakeman has made opposition to New York’s sanctuary policies and the state’s spending on services for migrants and asylum seekers a central part of his campaign.
He supports working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to remove undocumented immigrants with criminal records and redirecting state resources currently used for migrant services. His campaign also emphasizes closer cooperation between state and federal authorities on immigration and public safety.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: U.S. Representative
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Nassau County Receiver of Taxes
Government experience Driscoll has served as the Town of Hempstead receiver of taxes since 2019. She previously served as an associate justice in Bellerose Village and participated in local civic boards, stating that her experience serving communities has prepared her for Congress. With her current constituency in the Town of Hempstead covering more than 95 percent of New York’s 4th Congressional District, Driscoll believes her qualifications over the past seven years have prepared her for the role of representative.
Taxes, spending and the economy Driscoll identifies as a fiscal conservative who prioritizes reducing taxes and limiting government spending. She supports restoring the full SALT — state and local tax — deduction to provide relief to homeowners facing high property taxes. Driscoll would prioritize an elimination of taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security benefits. Driscoll believes the state’s minimum wage is too high and burdens small businesses, which can force business owners to minimize employment opportunities.
Immigration and health care Driscoll has noted that two members of her immediate family are naturalized immigrants. She supports increased clarity of immigration rules as well as a tightening of immigration legislation and a review of policies affecting those currently seeking immigration. Driscoll favors work or volunteer requirements for eligible Medicaid recipients, with exemptions for people with disabilities, caregivers and parents of young children — saying that nondisabled people receiving Medicaid without work requirements is one key reason for high costs.
Education, accountability and constituent services Driscoll supports parental involvement in a school’s curriculum, particularly regarding controversial topics that a parent may personally disagree with, particularly in elementary school. She will look to restrict a school district’s ability to pierce the tax cap. Driscoll plans to remain accessible to constituents and says that representatives should constantly work to secure resources for their communities. Driscoll believes her professional record has established her as an honest, hard worker committed to representing her constituency.
Party affiliation: Independent, running on Democratic Party line
Profession: Union construction worker
Affordability and career opportunities Lemyre supports greater awareness of union jobs and skilled trades as paths to financial stability for young people who may not attend college. A union construction worker, she credits her career with helping her become a homeowner as a single mother. She also favors making taxpayer assistance more accessible, including scheduling tax grievance workshops at times working residents can attend.
Addiction and social services Lemyre supports using Nassau County’s unspent opioid settlement funds to address addiction and expand social services. She argues that stigma and a lack of understanding about available programs have hindered the county’s response. She favors harm reduction efforts and rejects the idea that those services enable drug use.
Public safety Lemyre describes herself as a strong supporter of police and credits Nassau’s police force with keeping communities safe. She opposes County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s deputy program, which recruits and trains armed civilian volunteers for deployment during emergencies.
Transparency and accessibility A registered independent running on the Democratic Party line, Lemyre emphasizes listening to different viewpoints and making government more responsive to everyday residents. She supports greater transparency and argues that changes in leadership can help prevent complacency.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Attorney, county legislator
Taxes and spending McKevitt supports careful budget management and maintaining county services without raising taxes. He points to the absence of county tax increases during his tenure in the legislature and says continuing that approach is a priority. He emphasizes providing residents with value for their tax dollars.
Public safety McKevitt cites Nassau County’s kratom ban as a measure intended to protect young people. He also highlights his work on legislation prohibiting hotel and motel bookings of fewer than eight hours to combat human trafficking. The law includes recordkeeping requirements intended to help police identify patterns of activity.
Health care and infrastructure McKevitt supports working with government partners and Nassau University Medical Center’s leadership to preserve the hospital’s viability as a safety net facility. He also points to structural improvements at the county correctional facility and the restoration of the Eisenhower Park field used for the 2024 Cricket World Cup as examples of work benefiting the district.
Police technology and privacy McKevitt spoke about the county’s use of license plate readers with limits on access to their data. He says access in Nassau is restricted to the police department’s intelligence division for specific, warranted requests. He emphasizes training and monitoring to address concerns about misuse.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: English Professor, Nassau Community College
Access and efficiency Williams wants to make the clerk’s office easier for residents to navigate. She supports developing an app that would allow residents to access town services and track requests, including Freedom of Information Law requests, in real time. She also wants the office to serve as a clearer one-stop source for information so residents are not repeatedly transferred between departments.
Transparency and independence Williams highlights the clerk’s responsibility to operate independently from the town supervisor and Town Board, particularly when handling public records. She argues that properly submitted requests for public information should be handled consistently regardless of who requests the records and supports reviewing how the office processes, approves and denies FOIL requests.
Community outreach Williams proposes the clerk’s office to hold workshops throughout the town explaining services available to residents. Topics could include how to submit FOIL requests, what public information residents can access and how to apply for licenses. She says residents should be better informed about how to obtain town records and services.
Equal access to services Williams says services should be provided consistently across Town of Hempstead communities. She argues that where residents live or voting patterns should not determine the level of government services they receive. Although the clerk does not vote on Town Board policy, Williams says she would advocate for equal access to town resources and services.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Town of Hempstead clerk
Access to services Murray says making government services convenient for residents remains a priority. She points to the clerk’s passport program, which allows residents to have photographs taken, applications reviewed and documents mailed from one location. The office also offers passport services on select weekends and provides marriage licenses, parking permits and other licenses and records.
Residents first Murray says the clerk’s office should help residents navigate government requirements, particularly when they need important documents during difficult circumstances. She supports having staff work within existing laws and policies to find solutions for residents, including delivering documents when someone cannot physically come to Town Hall.
Expanding identification programs Murray has expanded the office’s identification programs for children, seniors and people with special needs. The special-needs identification card includes information that could assist first responders, including whether a person is nonverbal. Murray says the initiative is part of an effort to adapt existing clerk services to additional groups of residents.
Coordination with town departments Murray says her previous experience as town supervisor helped her consider how the clerk’s office interacts with other town departments. She supports coordinating clerk services with programs run by departments such as parks and recreation and considering how the office’s staffing and budget needs affect public safety and other operations.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Veteran, former NYPD, attorney
Affordability and taxes Scianablo supports reviewing the town’s budget, expenditures and propterties to identify wasteful spending and redirect taxpayer dollars toward community services. He has questioned the sustainability and transparency of the town’s proposed 2027 budget and supports rebuilding financial reserves. He also wants to eliminate patronage positions while protecting town employees and maintaining essential services.
Infrastructure and development Scianablo supports reinvesting in roads, parks, pools and other infrastructure while ensuring that resources are distributed fairly across communities. He wants to hold regular town halls to identify neighborhood priorities and purusue state and federal funding for revitalization projects. He also supports redevelopment of the Nassau Coliseum site to create jobs, expand medical facilities and stimulate economic growth.
Housing Scianablo supports addressing housing affordability while preserving the character of established neighborhoods. He has raised concerns about overdevelopment and the approval of zoning variances, calling for stricter enforcement of existing building codes. He believes housing and development decisions should reflect the individual needs of communities, particularly younger families, seniors and first-time homebuyers.
Public safety and government transparency Scianablo, a former New York City police officer and prosecutor, supports strengthening partnerships with Nassau County and local law enforcement. He also wants to expand services for domestic violence survivors and their children. He has called for greater government transparency, stricter oversight of town hiring and more accessible town board meetings, including additional evening sessions.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Town of Hempstead Supervisor
Affordability and taxes Ferretti supports reducing property taxes and controlling government spending to make the town more affordable. He pointed to an 18 percent reduction in the town’s general fund tax levy in 2026 and a proposed tax freeze for 2027. He also supports reducing staffing costs, eliminating discretionary spending and finding alternative revenue sources while maintaining town services.
Public safety and infrastructure Ferretti supports continued cooperation with Nassau County and village police departments to strengthen public safety. He also prioritizes roadway improvements, including repaving at least 100 miles annually, installing illuminated stop signs and addressing traffic concerns. He supports maintaining emergency reserves and improving storm preparedness, drainage and coastal protections.
Housing and local zoning Ferretti opposes state housing proposals that would override local zoning authority, arguing that residents should have a say in developments affecting their neighborhoods. While acknowledging the need for affordable housing for seniors and young adults, he favors lowering property taxes and preserving the town’s suburban character. He supports development that considers local concerns about traffic, parking and building density.
Parks and recreation Ferretti supports continued investment in the town's parks, pools and beaches to improve recreational opportunities for residents. He highlighted improvements including new splash pads, upgraded pool facilities and extended swimming seasons. He also supports using state and federal grants to fund recreational projects while minimizing costs to taxpayers.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Attorney, State assemblyman
Mikulin seeks re-election in 17th District Republican Assemblyman John Mikulin, in office since 2018, is seeking re-election in the 17th Assembly District. His Democratic opponent, Sunita Lofters, declined to be interviewed. Mikulin, 38, of Bethpage, represents a district that includes Massapequa, North Massapequa, Plainedge, South Farmingdale, Levittown and East Meadow. An attorney, he previously served as deputy attorney for the Town of Hempstead before winning a special election to the Assembly.
Advocate for stricter penalties for criminals Mikulin said one of his priorities is advocating for stricter penalties for criminals, particularly those convicted of violent crimes. He has criticized the state’s criminal justice and bail reforms as “a disaster” and sponsors legislation that would mandate life without parole for anyone convicted of murdering a child. “We need to make sure that our people are safe,” he said. “The No. 1 priority of government is to make sure that people are safe, and right now we are failing to do that.”
Opposes Medical Assistance in Dying Act Mikulin also voted against the state’s Medical Assistance in Dying Act and opposes restrictions on cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities.
Mikulin advocates for transparency He has also criticized the Democratic Assembly majority for including unrelated legislation in the state budget. “The budget bill should be a clean bill involving only our finances,” he said. Mikulin said constituent services remain an important part of his job. “If you call my office, you may not always get the answer that you want,” he said, “but we work to help out each and every individual, no matter who you are and what the problem is.”
Democrat candidate Sunita Lofters has not responded to request for an interview.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Former international journalist
Education and technologyConnaughton supports emphasizing reading, handwriting, recess and mental health in schools. She believes technology should supplement traditional instruction and wants schools to reconsider extensive use of artificial intelligence, particularly among younger students.
Health careConnaughton favors reducing health care costs and expanding access, including exploring broader government-supported coverage. She has also expressed concerns about the influence of pharmaceutical and health care companies on public policy.
Housing and affordabilityConnaughton said younger Long Islanders face difficulties purchasing homes. She supports addressing housing affordability while recognizing residents' concerns about preserving suburban neighborhoods, overcrowding and public safety.
Infrastructure and public safetyConnaughton supports modernizing electrical infrastructure, expanding renewable energy and improving transportation systems. She said residents have raised concerns about traffic, neighborhood safety and development during her campaign.
Connaughton describes herself as a supporter of law enforcement and someone willing to consider concerns from both political parties.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: State Assemblyman
Education and special education Ra supports expanding career and technical education and improving special education funding. He has advocated for the Henry Viscardi School, which serves students with disabilities, and changes to the BOCES salary cap. He also wants the state's school aid formula to better reflect students' varying needs. He wants to push modernizing the school aid formula in New York state.
Energy and infrastructureRa favors increasing New York's energy supply through a broader mix of sources to address costs. He also wants to help homeowners facing expensive replacements of lead water service lines. He argues that rushing to eliminate reliable energy options before clean alternatives are fully scalable drives up monthly bills.
Affordability and taxesRa has focused on property-tax relief for seniors and first-time homebuyers. He cited previous efforts to increase income eligibility for senior exemptions and a proposed exemption for first-time buyers. He advocates for modifying or rolling back what he called “unattainable” New York climate and emission mandates.
Veterans and public safetyRa supports addressing veterans' mental health and homelessness, along with helping veterans' organizations maintain their facilities and attract younger members. He also assists constituents with public safety and traffic concerns.
Ra said his relationships across party lines have helped him work on child care, education and senior tax policies despite serving in the Assembly minority.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Attorney and State Supreme Court law clerk
Affordability Piddoubny identified affordability as a central concern for 5th Senate District residents. He supports expanding access to early-childhood education beyond the state’s planned universal prekindergarten program, pointing to New York City’s 3-K program and 2-K pilot as models. He would seek a greater share of state funding for Long Island communities to help ease child care and other household expenses.
Homeowners insurance Piddoubny favors stronger scrutiny of homeowners insurance premiums and industry profits. He suggested exploring limits on excessive profits or preventing insurers from raising rates following especially profitable years. Under such an approach, excess revenue could be returned to policyholders rather than retained by insurance companies.
State spending Piddoubny supports reviewing the state budget to identify areas of overspending while ensuring that public money is directed toward effective programs. He said Long Island contributes more in state revenue than it receives and would prioritize securing what he considers a fairer allocation for the region.
Representation Drawing on his legal experience, Piddoubny said he would emphasize negotiation, practical solutions and compromise when working with lawmakers from other parties. He believes serving as a member of the Senate’s majority conference would help him participate directly in budget negotiations, advance legislation and obtain additional state resources for the district.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: State senator
Affordability and spending Rhoads supports restoring a 2 percent cap on annual state spending growth. He argues that slowing spending increases, rather than reducing existing programs, could allow economic growth to generate revenue for a substantial personal income tax cut. He also favors reviewing Medicaid enrollment and other major expenditures to control costs.
Public safety Rhoads opposes New York’s cashless bail policies and supports giving judges greater discretion to detain defendants before trial. He maintains that repeated lower-level offenses can contribute to more serious crime and identifies public safety as a leading concern among district residents.
Children and social media Rhoads cited the state’s Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation for Kids Act as an example of bipartisan work. The law is intended to regulate social media algorithms and prevent minors from receiving addictive feeds.
First responders and bipartisanship Rhoads is working with Democratic State Sen. Jeremy Cooney on legislation that would provide volunteer first responders with three free credits per semester at SUNY and CUNY colleges. The proposal expands on an initiative Rhoads helped establish as a Nassau County legislator. Although he serves in the Senate minority, Rhoads said he would continue seeking bipartisan agreements while opposing policies he believes increase spending or weaken public safety.
