Thursday, October 1, 2026
On Nov. 4, the people of Legislative District 2 made their voices heard by electing me to represent them in the Nassau County Legislature. I am deeply inspired by your confidence and pledge to earn the trust of every resident I serve in the years ahead.
My election was more than a win — it was history in motion. In 2009 I became the first African American woman of Latino descent elected to the North Hempstead Town Board. Today I carry that legacy forward to the County Legislature with deep gratitude and humility. This achievement belongs not just to me, but to every voter, every volunteer and every community member who believed that representation, equity and access matter.
Now I have the privilege of taking office in a newly apportioned 2nd District, which now includes the entirety of Westbury and New Cassel, along with portions of Carle Place, Hempstead, Hicksville, Jericho and Uniondale. That configuration, adopted through 2032 as part of a legal settlement addressing prior gerrymandering concerns, ensures that District 2 remains one of Nassau County’s six majority-minority districts, where at least half of residents are members of underrepresented voting communities.
District 2 is home to some of our region’s most significant educational, cultural and economic institutions, including the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Hub, Hofstra University, Nassau Community College, Planned Parenthood and Roosevelt Field Mall. As a center of growth and activity, our district faces important challenges, including housing accessibility, downtown revitalization, infrastructure improvements, economic development, PILOT agreements, and protecting a woman’s right to choose.
These challenges are real. But so is our readiness.
With more than two decades of grass-roots advocacy and hands-on government experience, I am committed to delivering thoughtful, community-centered solutions that uplift, strengthen and invest in the people and places that define our district.
I began my journey in public service as a PTA parent, a role that sparked a deeper calling to civic leadership. Over the years I became a civic advocate, a senior community leader and, later, district liaison for the 13th Assembly District. These roles grounded my leadership in compassion, accountability and service to everyday families.
From 2010 to 2021, I served on the North Hempstead board, representing a diverse community of Democrats, Republicans, independents and neighbors from all backgrounds and walks of life. I earned my community’s trust by listening deeply, acting decisively and always prioritizing people’s needs.
During my tenure, I helped spearhead $80 million in downtown revitalization efforts, supported the development of over 200 units of affordable, senior and workforce housing, and championed transformational projects including the award-winning, $26 million Yes We Can Community Center, designed to build access, opportunity, and pride in our local neighborhoods.
As we begin this next chapter in county government, I am committed to continuing the work of SOWing into our community by:
Strengthening the connection between residents and responsive government;
Overcoming challenges with unity, collaboration and transparency; and
Welcoming new ideas that reflect justice, equity and shared progress.
Together we will advocate for equitable investment, strengthen public safety with community trust, expand diverse and affordable housing options, and ensure that our district receives the resources and attention it deserves.
As the holiday season reminds us of gratitude, community and hope, I want to thank you for believing, for voting and for standing with me. I cannot and will not take your support for granted.
Please do not hesitate to contact my office at (516) 571-6202, or vrussell@nassaucountyny.gov, to share your ideas, your concerns and your vision for our district. Together we will shape a future rooted in equity, dignity, progress and possibility.
Viviana Russell, of Westbury, now represents Nassau County’s 2nd Legislative District.
