Thursday, October 1, 2026
After winning a special election in February to fill a vacant seat in the 19th Legislative District, Republican Michael Giangregorio is now seeking re-election in the newly redrawn 12th District.
The 58-year-old Merrick resident says his top priority as a county legislator is ensuring that the government spends taxpayer money wisely — and that families can afford to continue living in the communities they love. A vice president at J.P. Morgan’s Corporate & Investment Bank, Giangregorio said his decades in finance have helped shape his approach to local government.
“I bring a financial mindset to the Legislature,” he said. “We have to be fiscally smart and fiscally responsible. It’s about cutting waste and keeping services the same, because people have grown accustomed to them.”
Since taking office, Giangregorio said, he has voted three times against raising county taxes, emphasizing that his goal is to maintain affordability while still supporting essential services. He said he believes the county can continue to deliver strong public safety and quality-of-life programs without unnecessary spending.
“I was happy to be able to vote three times and not raise taxes in the county,” he said. “Holding the line as long as we can is part of our responsibility.”
The ability to find efficiencies without reducing services, Giangregorio said, is what makes Nassau’s government sustainable. “It’s about being smart with how we allocate resources,” he said. “People moved here for a reason — we have to protect what makes Nassau County desirable while being careful with every dollar we spend.”
Beyond fiscal policy, Giangregorio has made advocacy for people with disabilities a central part of his public service. A father of two sons, one of whom is on the autism spectrum, he said his personal experience drives him to push for inclusion and accessibility across the county.
“Being a legislator allows my voice to be heard,” he said. “It allows me to help other families who might not know where to turn.”
He has helped secure funding for an accessible playground at Cedar Creek Park, advocated to have communication boards installed in county parks for those who are nonverbal, and supported pay increases for preschool therapists who had gone decades without a raise. He also worked to streamline county coordination with service providers after a state restructuring created confusion for families seeking support.
Giangregorio’s commitment to autism awareness extends beyond legislation. He and his family have spoken at local schools to promote understanding and reduce bullying. Education and empathy, he said, are key to building stronger communities.
“When you challenge young people and you give them the opportunity to learn and understand, the bullying stops,” he said. “It starts at home. We’ve got to bring kindness and acceptance back.”
Before entering public office, Giangregorio volunteered extensively with the Boy Scouts of America, his parish and local civic organizations. He said that running for office felt like a natural next step in his lifelong commitment to service.
“I like what I do and I want to continue to do it,” he said. “We’re here to serve, and I’ll always do everything I can to make things better than when I found them.”
