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: Attorney; certified public accountant
Affordability Suozzi identified the rising cost of living as voters’ leading concern, citing tariffs, the war with Iran, federal debt, energy costs and health insurance expenses. He said addressing household expenses should be Congress’s priority and emphasized bipartisan cooperation to solve problems.
Immigration Suozzi supports permanently securing the border and reforming the asylum system while creating a pathway to work authorization for certain longtime residents without legal status who have lived in the country for more than 10 years without committing crimes. He also cited efforts with Republican lawmakers to reform Immigration and Customs Enforcement practices.
Environment and drinking water Suozzi opposes the proposed Propel NY Energy transmission project and has sought a public hearing on potential impacts to Hempstead Harbor and its shellfish beds. He supports a regional drinking water plan to address contamination, saltwater intrusion, stormwater runoff and aquifer protection.
Public services and foreign policy Suozzi said his office helped address mail delivery problems affecting Glenwood Landing residents. On Iran, he opposed abruptly ending American military involvement, instead advocating a phased withdrawal coordinated with Congress and allies. He said bipartisan cooperation remains central to his work in Congress.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Attorney; former state assemblyman
Affordability and housing LiPetri proposed adjusting capital gains calculations on home sales for inflation and offering first-time homebuyers a five-year federal income tax exemption. He also supports tax deductions for child care and expenses such as diapers, formula and strollers to help families manage costs.
Health care LiPetri advocates preventive screenings, greater price transparency and insurance arrangements that allow patients to keep their preferred doctors when changing jobs. He said the health care system should be modernized to accommodate patients’ needs.
Public safety and immigration LiPetri supports enforcement against people without legal status, emphasizing public safety and resources for citizens and legal immigrants. He said he accompanied federal immigration agents while serving in the Assembly and witnessed arrests involving people accused of serious crimes.
Environment and energy LiPetri opposes the proposed Propel NY Energy transmission project and said he would consult federal permitting agencies about stopping it. To protect drinking water, he proposed expanding federal infrastructure grants for recharge basins, injection wells and lead-pipe replacement.
Other priorities LiPetri pledged to consult the U.S. Postal Service about home mail delivery requests in Glenwood Landing. He also supports continued pressure on Iran to prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons and supports abortion rights, identifying the issue as an area of disagreement with President Donald Trump.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Nassau County legislator
Infrastructure DeRiggi-Whitton said she wants to complete unfinished infrastructure projects, including drainage improvements and a Shore Road overhaul in Glen Cove. She cited persistent flooding near Woolsey Avenue and Dosoris Lane and said existing stormwater pipes cannot handle runoff from extensive development and major storms.
Environmental protection DeRiggi-Whitton supports expanding sewer connections around Hempstead Harbor and protecting the underground aquifer. She highlighted legislation encouraging water-saving sprinkler systems and said she wants to revisit restrictions on nitrogen in lawn fertilizer. She also raised concerns about the environmental effects of the proposed Propel NY Energy project.
Affordability and housing DeRiggi-Whitton supports reducing the county’s sales tax on gasoline and expanding affordable housing for seniors, veterans and younger residents on suitable redevelopment sites. She emphasized preserving local control over development and questioned whether communities would receive sufficient benefits from the proposed energy project to justify its costs.
County spending and oversight DeRiggi-Whitton questioned the management of county reserves despite strong sales tax receipts. She also criticized delays in distributing opioid settlement funds for treatment, education and prevention, calling for closer scrutiny of spending. On immigration enforcement, she supports deporting people without legal status who have criminal convictions but expressed concern about affected families and children.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Attorney; Town of Oyster Bay human resources commissioner
Budget Canning said he would focus on controlling county expenditures and scrutinizing staffing costs. He praised recent county property tax freezes and said he would work to prevent increases, noting that residents are under strain from school taxes and household expenses.
Public safety Canning identified public safety as one of his three leading priorities. On immigration enforcement, he said authorities should focus on people convicted of crimes while remaining sensitive to longtime residents and families. He did not advocate broader enforcement against people simply going about their daily lives.
Infrastructure Canning opposes the proposed Propel NY Energy transmission project, arguing that construction along major North Shore roads would disrupt residents and businesses. He raised concerns about traffic in Glen Head and Glenwood Landing and potential environmental impacts on Hempstead Harbor. He also called for limiting development at local country clubs to prevent additional traffic congestion.
Social justice Canning said he would bring a willingness to work across party lines to the Nassau County Legislature. He has volunteered locally, including emceeing North Shore Reads events and wheelchair basketball games, and serving on the Glen Cove Cares board. He also emphasized preserving local control over development and energy decisions.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Supply chain analyst
RepresentationHoyle said many North Shore communities feel overlooked by town officials, citing concerns including mail delivery problems in Glenwood Landing, infrastructure issues and rising utility costs. He believes the town supervisor should serve as an advocate for residents even when problems fall outside the town’s direct authority. Hoyle said elected officials should use their positions to amplify residents’ concerns and work with officials at other levels of government to find solutions. He also called for greater cooperation across party lines, arguing that local problems should take priority over political differences.
Affordability and housingHoyle said rising costs are making it increasingly difficult for residents to remain in the Town of Oyster Bay, pointing to higher beach and parking pass fees, water bills and utility expenses. He also expressed concern that younger residents are being priced out of the communities where they grew up. Hoyle supports expanding affordable housing opportunities for young people and said existing programs have not done enough to help them establish roots on Long Island. He also wants town officials to advocate for lower utility costs and carefully consider how development and energy projects could affect household expenses.
Environmental protection and water qualityHoyle identified clean and affordable drinking water as one of his highest priorities, citing concerns about contamination from former industrial sites, leaking oil tankers and the long-term sustainability of Long Island’s aquifers. He said officials should take a more aggressive approach to investigating potential pollution rather than delaying action over concerns about the cost or speed of development. Hoyle also questioned whether the town is doing enough to protect local waterways and groundwater from contamination and overuse. He argued that addressing pollution early could help avoid more expensive cleanup efforts and protect residents’ health.
Energy projects Hoyle said residents deserve greater assurances about the environmental and safety impacts of major energy projects. Regarding the proposed Propel NY Energy transmission project, he raised concerns about cable burial depth, construction impacts and potential effects on local waterways and shellfish. He also questioned whether communities that already face high utility bills and infrastructure challenges are being asked to accept additional burdens without sufficient evidence that the project will be safe.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Politician
Environmental protection Saladino identified environmental protection as one of his top priorities, highlighting the town’s shellfish restoration program and efforts to clean up the Northrup Grumman Navy plume. He said the town is building a second, larger shellfish hatchery at TOBAY Beach, with the goal of reintroducing 60 million clams and oysters annually into North Shore and South Shore waters.
Redevelopment and housing Saladino supports redeveloping existing properties to provide housing, businesses and other amenities while preserving the town’s suburban character. He cited downtown Hicksville as a model, pointing to plans for about 500 housing units alongside stores, shops and restaurants. He said the town’s approach brought together residents, business owners, school officials, fire departments and civic associations to shape redevelopment plans.
Affordability and taxes Saladino said affordability depends on controlling property taxes, reducing municipal expenses and challenging state mandates that shift costs to local governments. He said the town had moved from a $44 million deficit when he took office to a $100 million surplus without raising taxes. He also cited municipal consolidations and the replacement of traditional streetlights with LED lighting as ways to reduce expenses.
Infrastructure and energy projects Saladino said the town should carefully evaluate major infrastructure and energy proposals for their environmental, safety and financial effects on residents. Regarding the proposed Propel NY Energy transmission project, he said the town has consulted environmental, engineering and legal experts and sought changes including deeper cable burial, restrictions on construction hours and the use of local union labor.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Civil engineer, specializing in transportation infrastructure
Improving efficiency Shreya Gupta says she wants to improve efficiency and make the office easier for residents to navigate. Gupta, a Bethpage resident, graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering and works for an international engineering firm specializing in transportation infrastructure. The town clerk serves as custodian of town records and handles services including Freedom of Information Law requests, licenses and permits.
Quality-of-life issues Gupta said concerns about local infrastructure and residents’ quality of life helped spark her interest in public service. She pointed to deteriorating town roads and potholes as everyday problems that affect residents, while acknowledging that infrastructure issues fall outside the Town Clerk’s responsibilities.
Streamlining operations a goal Gupta said she would build on the knowledge and experience of existing Town Clerk’s Office staff while seeking ways to make services more efficient, particularly the processing of Freedom of Information Law requests and permits. She said her priority would be to simplify government procedures and improve residents’ interactions with town services.
Engineering background an asset Gupta said her career as a structural engineer has taught her to think critically, analyze problems and consider how decisions affect residents’ well-being. She said she would apply that approach as Town Clerk, viewing the position as an entry point into public service and an opportunity to grow professionally before moving on to greater responsibilities.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Town clerk, financial services
Expanded online services Republican Richard LaMarca is seeking re-election as Oyster Bay town clerk, pointing to the modernization of the office and expanded online services as accomplishments he hopes to build on. LaMarca, a lifelong Oyster Bay resident, graduated from Oyster Bay High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Villanova University. He worked in financial services before entering the public sector in 2012 as the town’s director of labor management. He was elected town clerk in 2019.
Helping residents LaMarca said serving residents through the Town Clerk’s Office has been personally fulfilling, allowing him to help individuals and support local communities. The coronavirus pandemic accelerated his efforts to expand remote access to clerk services, and he has since overseen the digitization of vital records, including marriage licenses and death certificates. He said he continues to work toward making licensing and permitting processes available online to improve convenience and accessibility for residents.
Supports creation of town museum He is also working to convert a town-owned building on Spring Street into a museum displaying historic town documents and artifacts. LaMarca said he expects the clerk’s office’s 2027 budget to come in slightly below its 2026 budget of $1.752 million as longtime employees retire and replacements begin at lower salaries.
Access is vital As he seeks another term, LaMarca said he would continue to focus on making town services more accessible, preserving public records and helping residents navigate problems. He said the most rewarding part of the job is knowing that his assistance has made a meaningful difference in someone’s day.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Assemblyman
Budget Lavine said the state budget must include sufficient funding for education, health care and environmental protection. He maintained that public education is a major reason people live on Long Island and noted the grants he has secured for school districts, like North Shore to make capital improvements and help pay staff.
Public Safety Lavine has been outspoken against Immigration and Customs Enforcement, saying he believes it is important to speak out “in favor of fairness.” He supports removing undocumented immigrants committing violent crimes but asserted that most being held at the Nassau County Correctional Center have not been convicted of violent crimes.
Infrastructure Lavine supports Gov. Kathy Hochul’s plan to revitalize downtown areas and incorporate transit-oriented development. He also supports creating more housing that is affordable. Lavine said he believes New York needs to modernize its infrastructure, citing underground pipes in Glen Cove. He said he would continue to work to secure funding to update infrastructure in the city to prevent flooding, an ongoing issue.
Social justice Like with ICE activity, Lavine has been outspoken on antisemitism and Islamophobia. He is a member of the National Board of Directors of Jewish Legislators, and president of the National Association of Jewish Legislators’ New York chapter.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Communications Specialist, Town of Hempstead
Public Safety Dunleavy opposes the Local Cops Local Crimes Act, a state law banning state and local law enforcement agencies from entering into agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He said he believes communities are safe when law enforcement works together. Dunleavy cited products being locked up in stores as evidence of “decline” in New York and criticized state law regarding theft.
Affordability Dunleavy supports County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s plan to eliminate state income tax on the first $50,000 of income for single filers and the first $100,000 for married filers. He also supports increasing the Empire State Child Tax Credit, which currently provides up to $1,000 per qualifying child under age 4 and up to $500 per qualifying child aged 4 to 16.
Local control Dunleavy is a member of the City of Glen Cove Planning Board. He supports local planning and zoning boards’ ability to control development within municipalities. Dunleavy said local municipalities should decide and maintain the character of their communities.
Infrastructure Dunleavy opposes the Propel NY Energy project, which received approval from the state Public Service Commission in September. He expressed concerns about the project moving forward without a specific power source yet chosen. Dunleavy said he believes it is important for local elected officials to speak out on the project.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Government policy and climate resilience professional
Government accountability and infrastructure spending Tarulli, 38, of Glen Head, said his experience working with elected officials and government agencies motivated him to run for the New York State Assembly’s 15th District. As deputy director of coastal resilience for the New York City Department of Design and Construction, he works on public policy, disaster relief, infrastructure planning and funding.
Funding and Long Island representation Tarulli said Long Island municipalities deserve greater access to state and federal funding. Drawing on his experience securing grants for local governments, including millions of dollars for projects in Westchester County, he said he would help municipalities identify funding opportunities and navigate application processes. He supports combining state grants with federal programs, including Community Development Block Grants.
Housing affordability and insurance costs Tarulli said Long Island needs more housing options for young professionals who want to remain near their families and commute to jobs in New York City. He favors developing moderately priced condominiums and apartments near railroad stations and major employment centers, rather than framing the issue primarily around traditional affordable housing. He said such homes should provide opportunities for younger residents.
Environmental protection and Propel NY Energy Tarulli said the developers behind the proposed Propel NY Energy transmission project have not adequately explained construction plans and potential disruptions to North Shore residents. He supports using directional drilling through residential areas, particularly in Glen Head and Glenwood Landing, to reduce road closures, inconvenience and safety concerns.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Real estate developer
Affordability and housing Pironi, 38, of East Norwich, identified affordability as the central issue motivating his campaign. A third-generation Long Island home builder who studied architecture at the New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury, he wants future generations to be able to afford to remain on Long Island. He pointed to family members and friends who have left the region because of its rising cost of living.
Public safety and policing Pironi said public safety is one of his three main campaign priorities, alongside affordability and restoring what he considers residents’ values in government. He supports ensuring police departments receive the resources and assistance they need to protect their communities. Pironi described Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Nassau County as a federal issue.
Environmental protection and Propel NY Energy Pironi identified protecting Long Island’s waterways, wildlife and drinking water as important responsibilities for state and local officials. He serves as vice chairman of Nassau County’s Open Space Parks Advisory Committee and is a member of the North Shore Land Alliance. He expressed concern about the proposed Propel NY Energy transmission project, saying residents should have an opportunity to be heard and receive clear information about it.
Veterans’ affairs and government accountability Pironi claimed veterans’ affairs as his top potential legislative priority, particularly ensuring Veterans of Foreign Wars posts have the resources necessary to support veterans. Pironi described his experience running his family’s business as preparation for public service, emphasizing efficient government, accessibility and constituent services.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Attorney and former state assemblyman
Affordability and taxes Lancman said he is running because Nassau County residents face excessive costs that state government could help reduce. He cited property taxes, sales taxes, auto insurance and utility bills as burdens. He wants the state to hold local governments accountable for how they assess property taxes, arguing that Nassau’s system sends many homeowners inflated bills and forces them to challenge assessments, often by hiring lawyers.
Health care costs Lancman identified health care as a major affordability concern for residents, including the costs of prescription drugs, copayments and long-term care. As a board member of Nassau University Medical Center and chair of its finance committee, he said he has seen the consequences of mismanagement at the public safety-net hospital. He said reforms to improve oversight and efficiency can protect taxpayers.
Environmental protection and Propel NY Energy Lancman said the Propel NY Energy transmission project could help address Long Island’s high energy costs by improving the movement of electricity into and out of the region. However, he said officials must address residents’ concerns about construction impacts, business disruption and possible harm to Hempstead Harbor. He supports mitigating the effects of necessary infrastructure projects.
Water quality and the aquifer Lancman said the state should increase investment in protecting Long Island’s drinking water supply, particularly by reducing nitrogen pollution. He supports replacing aging septic systems, improving water infrastructure and cleaning up contaminated areas of the aquifer. He said environmental bond funding and state water-quality programs could help pay for the work, while financial assistance could make septic upgrades affordable for homeowners.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Insurance professional and state assemblyman
Affordability and insurance costs Blumencranz identified affordability as a central concern among constituents, particularly rising housing, grocery and insurance costs. Drawing on his experience in the insurance industry and his role on the Assembly’s insurance committee, he is developing a five-point plan intended to lower auto and homeowners insurance premiums.
Childcare and family support Blumencranz said New York should improve access to childcare and preschool programs, particularly for families facing inconsistent availability from year to year. He said some districts struggle to budget and accommodate students because the number of available seats does not consistently match demand. He supports streamlining the process so school districts can better plan around enrollment fluctuations and state funding.
Public safety and first responders Blumencranz supports expanding the use of technology and intelligence-led policing to help local law enforcement prevent and investigate crime. He cited legislation addressing Wi-Fi signal jammers used in some home invasions and supported license plate reader systems as tools for police. He also wants to strengthen recruitment pipelines for first responders.
School safety and artificial intelligence Blumencranz said schools must prepare for emerging threats involving artificial intelligence and social media. As ranking member of the Assembly’s science and technology committee, he has introduced the Swift Act and Child Safety AI Act, which he said would create consequences for social media companies that fail to respond to harmful content and for individuals involved in distributing it.
