Thursday, October 1, 2026
Danielle Smikle, who first entered the political arena with a 2024 run for the State Assembly, is now seeking a seat in the Nassau County Legislature representing the 6th District, pledging to confront issues ranging from high property taxes to frequent flooding, the housing shortage and community safety in Baldwin, Freeport and Oceanside.
Smikle, a longtime resident of Freeport, said her Assembly bid gave her valuable insight into voters’ concerns and the barriers that keep so many people from engaging in local politics.
“It was eye-opening,” she said. “People didn’t always know they could vote for someone outside their party. It showed me how crucial it is to make government accessible and understandable for everyone.”
Born in St. Ann, Jamaica, and raised in Freeport since age 3, Smikle graduated from Freeport High School and earned a degree in political science and communications from Canisius College in Buffalo. She now works as a college and career counselor at the Academy Charter School in Uniondale, helping students chart their paths after high school.
“My work with students and small businesses gives me a perspective on the day-to-day challenges families face,” Smikle said. “Everyone wants a good job and a good education, but there are many roadblocks in between.”
Smikle’s campaign is focused on reducing property taxes, supporting education, revitalizing small businesses and improving infrastructure. When it comes to housing, she advocates redeveloping vacant and neglected properties to create opportunities for younger residents without building large new apartment complexes.
Flooding and storm preparedness are also key concerns in the coastal 6th District. Parts of Baldwin and Freeport are below sea level, and Smikle emphasized the importance of maintaining floodgates, repairing roads and ensuring that public facilities remain safe and accessible.
Public safety and community policing are two more of her priorities. Smikle said she hopes to strengthen relationships between residents and law enforcement, promote dialogue and address mental health challenges affecting both officers and community members.
“I want people to see government as a team effort, not a partisan fight,” she said. “Working together across differences is how we solve the problems that matter most to our towns.”
If elected, Smikle said, she plans to draw on her background in education, small business and community service to deliver tangible results for the district. “Even small changes can make a difference,” she said. “It’s about showing up for the community and making things better for everyone.”
