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: County legislator
Solages looks toward next chapter with focus on district projects First elected in 2011, Solages represents the 3rd District, which includes Elmont, Lakeview, Malverne and Valley Stream. An attorney who grew up in Elmont and now lives in Valley Stream, Solages said his experiences continue to shape his priorities, including infrastructure, affordability, public safety and constituent services.
Elmont community center a priority Solages pointed to a proposed community center in Elmont as one of his most meaningful projects. He said the project received $30 million in state funding after years of work. “I was able to reach one of my lifetime goals,” Solages said.
Infrastructure, affordability remain concerns Solages said he secured more than $5 million for water-related work along Elmont Road, where flooding has been a longtime concern. He also highlighted $7.2 million for work along Elmont Road, Linden Boulevard and Meacham Avenue, including nearly $2.1 million for streetscape and traffic safety improvements.
Affordability also remains a concern, particularly for families and older residents facing housing costs and property taxes. Solages said he wants to connect residents with resources, including property tax assessment workshops.
Environment, immigration among priorities Solages said he is pursuing barriers along the Southern State Parkway to address highway noise and air pollution. He also continues to advocate for changes to flight patterns over Elmont, citing aircraft noise near Kennedy Airport.
As an immigration attorney, Solages said he has also heard from Haitian residents concerned about Temporary Protected Status and continues to help residents navigate government services.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Wealth management professional
Brown focuses on affordability Brown’s work in private wealth management has given him insight into the financial pressures facing local families. As a renter himself, Brown said he has watched friends leave the community because they cannot afford to buy homes. He believes attracting more businesses and maximizing development around UBS Arena and Belmont Park could help ease residents’ tax burden. Brown also wants to expand youth programs, including Little League and CYO, which he said helped shape him growing up. “When I was growing up, there were so many resources,” he said. “Those resources really molded me and shaped me.”
Senior housing, public safety Brown said he would also examine senior housing and whether residents have a direct line to county government. He cited a fire and flooding at a senior housing complex on Elmont Road as an example of residents needing answers. On public safety, Brown said officials should strengthen existing relationships between police and residents through community policing. He also supports finding a balance between e-bike regulations and the needs of young riders who rely on them.
Emphasizing community engagement Following his 2025 campaign, Brown said he is focusing on social media and direct community engagement to reach more residents.
“I think it’s time for new leadership in our community,” Brown said. “We have to have standards.”
Brown seeks stronger ties between residents, county government Brown said he wants residents to have a more direct line to county government, particularly when concerns arise at senior housing complexes. He also emphasized strengthening relationships between police and residents through community policing and finding a balance between e-bike regulations and the needs of young riders who depend on them.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Nassau County legislator
Public safety and infrastructure Nicks has raised concerns about traffic and pedestrian safety along Hempstead Avenue and near schools. She has worked with residents and county officials on road improvements and wants greater coordination with school districts. She believes continued collaboration among local governments, schools and community members is essential to addressing safety concerns.
Libraries and community resources Nicks has supported funding for the Uniondale Public Library, which faces flooding and infrastructure challenges. She said the Hempstead and West Hempstead libraries have also applied for capital funding. She recognizes the importance of maintaining library facilities that serve as educational and community resources for residents of all ages.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Political writer, journalist
Public safety and infrastructure Hill wants to improve roads, traffic signals and pedestrian safety while limiting county tax increases. He cited a traffic signal installed at Woodfield Road and Linden Street in West Hempstead as an improvement he advocated for following concerns about accidents. He believes addressing traffic concerns and maintaining infrastructure are important to improving residents’ quality of life.
Antisemitism and community concerns Hill supports educational discussions about antisemitism in local schools. He has also participated in community efforts involving the former Capri Motor Inn and cleanups at Halls Pond Park. He believes community involvement and education are important to fostering understanding, strengthening neighborhoods and addressing residents’ concerns.
Housing and development Hill supports balancing housing development with preserving suburban neighborhoods. He sees the Nassau Coliseum property as a potential site for business, technology, aviation and housing, while acknowledging concerns about traffic and infrastructure. He believes future development should consider the needs of surrounding communities while creating opportunities for economic growth and investment.
Community involvement Hill said he would remain active in NORPAC and maintain relationships with local organizations and government officials regardless of the election’s outcome. He believes community involvement and collaboration are essential to addressing issues that affect residents and strengthening connections among local leaders.
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: State Assemblyman and Hempstead Village trustee
Education Having been a Hempstead public school teacher before taking up politics, Burroughs is a strong believer in supporting and uplifting his district’s school systems. He says the current funding that charter schools receive are not fair to public schools, since they both get their funding from taxes. He has fought to get various multimillion dollar grants for school district projects, and plans to continue seeking out more.
Infrastructure Burroughs says he has taken a particular interest in investing in neighborhoods in his district that he believes are often underrepresented and even seen as unfavorable. He sees providing funds and programs to these communities as a way to strengthen community bonds and support law enforcement as Nassau County continues to develop a reputation for safety.
Insurance costs Certain billing practices by insurance providers have outright angered Burroughs, as he believes they prey on minority communities. In conversations with such providers, he said that these companies often charge higher rates based on zip codes, with “Black and brown communities” having the highest insurance rates according to him. Tackling these tactics remains a priority for him.
Law enforcement Burroughs wants to see police forces mirror the ethnic and gender diversity of their communities, but he acknowledges that at no fault of the police themselves, this is often not a reality. Burroughs wants to continue fostering local programs with children and teenagers to learn more about first responders and what benefits, financial and otherwise, may accompany pursuing such a career.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Special counsel for Nassau County Assessor’s Office
Housing Jackson wants Nassau County and other municipalities to tap into the potential of local land banks and abandoned properties and have them repurposed to create more affordable housing and other kinds of property that would benefit communities. She intends to allocate grant money for the purchase of such properties. Jackson also opposes what she called “unfunded mandates” from state officials that do not take into account the unique context of local districts regarding housing.
Small businesses In addition to communicating with local small business owners on any developing concerns, Jackson wants to open up programs and contracting opportunities for small businesses. She hopes to primarily do this through de-bundling larger government projects and allowing for local businesses to earn contracts that fit their capacity, something she had experience doing while working for the Village of Hempstead.
Utility bills Jackson believes that the monopolies that are on certain utilities are driving up costs for local homeowners. She named companies like PSEG, National Grid and Liberty Water, which have limited competition on the services they provide to Long Island customers. Ensuring those companies have further transparency and reviewing their prices is how she hopes to address the costs.
Crime Current bail practices like appearance tickets are too loose, according to Jackson. In order to ensure the safety and security of residents and businesses, she wants to make it more difficult for certain offenders to be released shortly after their arrest.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: New York State Assemblywoman
Taxes and affordability Griffin said affordability remains a major concern for district residents, citing housing costs, rent, utilities, health care, prescription drugs and insurance. She supports changes to utility rate-setting that would require companies to provide evidence for proposed increases and demonstrate their impact on customers. She also discussed auto insurance reforms, including restrictions on using ZIP codes to set rates and requiring insurers to return some excess profits to policyholders.
Education and school funding Griffin supports more equitable state funding for public schools and additional resources to address rising special education costs. She also supports expanding universal prekindergarten, providing free breakfast and lunch to students, and establishing mental health clinics in more schools. Griffin discussed changes to charter school funding and said charter schools should consult with public school administrators before enrolling students. She also supports a five-year pause on electric school bus requirements while the state develops an implementation plan.
Public safety and mental health Griffin highlighted the Joseph T. Banish Mental Health Act, which she said passed in 2025 and provides confidential peer counseling for law enforcement officers. She described the legislation as one of her proudest accomplishments because it is intended to help save lives amid concerns about police suicide. She also cited legislation addressing stalking and domestic violence, including risk-assessment questions, and said she supports funding for police community outreach. Griffin also discussed drugged-driving legislation and laws addressing ghost guns and secure firearm storage.
Water, infrastructure and flooding Griffin said addressing aging water infrastructure, drinking water contamination and coastal flooding requires continued state investment and cooperation with local and federal officials. She supports using Environmental Bond Act funding to help remove contaminants, including PFAS and lead, and replace aging pipes and wells. She also discussed the proposed South Shore Water Authority, saying a takeover of Liberty Water would require negotiations and state and federal funding to replace infrastructure. Griffin said flood mitigation and shoreline maintenance remain important priorities, while larger floodgate projects would require federal involvement and significant funding. She also cited state funding secured for local projects, including $2 million for the Rockville Centre Athletic Complex and $1 million for a Lynbrook park and deck hockey rink.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Attorney; Nassau County deputy county attorney
Taxes and affordability Villacci said she would seek to reduce state income taxes, including eliminating state income taxes on the first $50,000 of income for single filers and $100,000 for joint filers. She said she would look for waste and additional revenue in the state budget before pursuing property-tax reductions. She also supports repealing clean-energy charges she said are contributing to higher utility bills.
Public safety Villacci supports repealing cashless bail, particularly for repeat offenders, while saying she could see it applying to some minor offenses. She supports fully funding police departments and corrections officers and said judges should have greater discretion in setting bail. She also expressed support for Nassau County’s approach to public safety and enforcement.
Education Villacci supports increasing state funding for schools and said she believes the current distribution of school aid is not equitable. She said schools need additional resources for students and teachers and criticized what she described as differences in funding between Long Island districts and New York City.
First responders and governing Villacci said she would make support for volunteer firefighters and other first responders a priority. She also said her approach to governing would emphasize collaboration and working with people who hold different views. As a challenger, she said she is seeking to provide what she considers stronger representation for district residents in Albany.
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.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: New York State Senator
Education Bynoe supports continued changes to the state’s school funding formula, including additional funding based on student needs and the impact of charter school enrollment. She highlighted a new foundation aid formula that provides additional funding to districts where at least 20 percent of students attend charter schools. She also supports restrictions on cellphones in classrooms and mental health first-aid training for students.
Affordability and housing Bynoe identified rising property taxes, insurance, utility bills and other household expenses as major concerns for residents. She supports increasing the housing supply as a way to address rising rental and home-purchase costs. She has also proposed the Living Libraries Bill, which would allow libraries to consider using excess land or air rights for affordable housing.
Public safety Bynoe said e-bike use and regulation are concerns among residents. She supports legislation restricting ghost guns and greater state support for police, firefighters and other first responders. She also plans to introduce legislation to collect more detailed statewide data on knife-related crimes.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Town of Hempstead press secretary
Taxes and spending Capp supports eliminating state income taxes on the first $50,000 of income for single filers and $100,000 for joint filers. He also said he would examine the state budget for potential spending reductions or limits on spending increases, with a goal of doing more with existing resources.
Housing and local control Capp supports increasing the supply of housing to address affordability, including incentives for development near public transportation. He said municipalities should retain final authority over zoning decisions, arguing that towns and villages should determine how housing is developed within their communities.
Public safety Capp said he would defer to law enforcement agencies on the resources, equipment and tools they need to perform their jobs. He said law enforcement professionals should help determine what is necessary to address public safety concerns.
Education and infrastructure Capp supports changes to the state’s school funding formula to increase aid to Long Island districts. He also supports affordable SUNY and CUNY education and identified Long Island Rail Road reliability and investment as infrastructure priorities. Capp said he has concerns about the state’s medical aid-in-dying law and the need for safeguards against potential misuse.
