Wednesday, October 21, 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: Democrat
Profession: Litigator
Growing local business Pentola plans to protect small businesses from what he sees as increasing competition from national chains, to boost the local economy as well as the unique personality of each community. He is concerned with local cities and towns losing their unique character and transforming into a generic ‘Anytown, USA.’ Prioritizing small, privately owned businesses over corporations is one way he plans to achieve that goal.
Area development and support Pentola believes residents should have an opportunity to provide feedback on planned development to ensure a balance between quality of life for local individuals and a community’s overall development and growth. He sees the risk of gentrification, primarily through excessive retail development throughout particular neighborhoods, as a critical issue to avoid.
Affordability for homebuyers Pentola sees Nassau’s median age for first-time homebuyers — 40 years old — as one indicator that relatively younger residents may not be able to find a financial path to remaining on Long Island. He favors tax credits for first-time homebuyers and increased county support for childcare as potential ways to encourage locals to establish roots instead of leaving Long Island for less expensive areas.
Planning for bipartisanship Pentola says he would work with local officials, including the current republican Long Beach City Council and Island Park Mayor Michael McGinty, a republican, without regard to party affiliation. Pentola believes his experience as a litigator has prepared him to navigate toward resolution in potentially contentious settings while working to deliver measurable improvements for residents.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: New York City Fire Department special operations lieutenant, County legislator
Growing local business Mullaney is a former small-business owner who relies on firsthand experience to inform his views on balancing national chains with independent businesses throughout Long Beach, Oceanside and Island Park. He said both types of businesses can have a place, noting that it can be sometimes by difficult for small businesses to take on the risks associated with opening in areas with vacant storefronts.
Area development and support Mullaney favors a phased approach to Long Beach’s continued bayfront development, preferring not to fill the property with a single large construct. He said the initial focus should be on needed improvements, followed by amenities that would allow residents to enjoy the waterfront. He emphasized the importance of community feedback in the planning process. He plans to continue supporting other local projects focused on first responders, including Island Park’s Veteran’s Village.
Open communication Mullaney has always prioritized his ability to listen to constituents. Mullaney encourages residents to be informed about their communities and participate in local government, calling it a residents’ obligation to be aware of local events that can impact the community. He encourages community members to reach out to him for assistance navigating potentially confusing red tape and has acted as a liaison between residents and assorted government offices.
Awareness of partisan politics Mullaney highlighted issues with partisan politics and the public’s perception of Republicans and Democrats, irrespective of the individual or office. He said the situation can be frustrating because local elections may become overshadowed and influenced by political rhetoric on the national level.
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: Democrat
Profession: Private chef
Development Fischer said overdevelopment is one of his primary concerns. He wants development in the Five Towns to be more carefully planned and said additional housing should include options for seniors rather than primarily attracting younger families to an already crowded area.
Education Fischer said improving education is another major priority. Coming from the private-school system, he supports state investment in both public and private schools while maintaining a balance between the two. He also pointed to the importance of strong public schools in communities such as Long Beach.
Security Fischer wants to strengthen security at houses of worship, schools and other public places. He said security should extend to synagogues, churches, mosques and other religious institutions, regardless of denomination or affiliation. He also emphasized the distinction between security guards and police officers and supports finding appropriate security measures for vulnerable locations.
Representation Fischer said his age is an asset and that he would bring a younger perspective to Albany. He wants to represent residents throughout the district and engage with communities beyond the Five Towns.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Construction business owner
Public safety Brown lists public safety as a top priority. He supports the Nassau County Police Department and said protecting residents remains central to his work in Albany and across the district.
Antisemitism Brown said combating antisemitism remains a major focus of his campaign. As the first Orthodox Jewish Republican assemblyman, he has introduced nine bills addressing antisemitism and plans to continue pursuing legislation aimed at protecting Jewish residents and other communities from hate.
Affordability and health care Brown said rising household expenses and health care costs are among the leading concerns he hears from constituents. He pointed to high electric bills and the financial pressures facing families and seniors, saying the state needs to address affordability so residents can continue to live on Long Island.
Experience Brown is a Franklin Square native who moved to Cedarhurst 35 years ago. He has served on the Cedarhurst village board for 27 years, including as deputy mayor. In Albany, he is the ranking minority member of the Local Governments Committee. He said his local government experience helps him work across party lines on issues affecting residents.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Health care Administrator and Business Owner
Health care Vider said that affordable health care is a central issue. She wants to make the system easier for families and seniors to navigate and less expensive. She supports increasing competition among health insurers and reducing regulations she believes contribute to higher costs.
Affordability Vider said rising property taxes and other household expenses are putting pressure on Long Island families. She wants to bring more state resources to the district and support funding for schools, roads, libraries, police and first responders.
Public safety Vider said police officers and first responders need adequate funding, equipment and resources. She wants to ensure the district receives its share of state support for public safety services.
Antisemitism Combating antisemitism and other forms of hate is another major priority. Vider supports educating children about antisemitism, hate and how to recognize and report hateful content online and in schools. She also wants to encourage greater cooperation among different communities to reduce division.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Attorney, CPA and Small-Business Owner
Public safety Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said public safety is among her top priorities. She supports giving judges greater discretion in setting bail and continuing state investment in police departments, including funding for equipment and technology.
Affordability Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said New York’s high spending and utility costs are contributing to an affordability crisis for families and businesses. She supports reducing government waste and examining programs to identify areas where spending can be cut, with the goal of controlling the state budget and lowering costs.
Volunteer Firefighters Supporting volunteer firefighters is another central issue for Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. Drawing on her experience as a former Malverne fire commissioner, she wants increased state funding for volunteer departments, including capital improvements, equipment and other resources. She said volunteers provide essential fire protection and deserve greater support for the time and training required to serve their communities.
Experience A lifelong Malverne resident, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, an attorney, CPA, small-business owner and mother of four, was elected to the state Senate in 2022. Before entering the Senate, she served as a Malverne village trustee, deputy mayor, fire commissioner and police commissioner. She said her local government experience prepared her to represent Long Island in Albany.
